Purple Sapphire Shot in Thailand

[David Chan]

Dear Dr Seow,

These were shot at Central Thailand close to the border of Myanmar. Are they H. ila or H. epicles? Thanks a lot.

1 25951

2 25952

Best regards,
David Chan

[Psyche]

The Heliophorus are very difficult as each species have variation.

These are H. epicles should be ssp latilimbata.

H. epicles FW submarginal white lunules in space 1b, 2 & 3 .
FW red boder nearly reaching the apex.
HW red border at space 6 usually protrude in a bit more.
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/media_images/1a_7/tbf128.jpg
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/media_images/2015/94_3522-474-54c766caca026-2.jpg

H. ila nolus.
FW submarginal white lunules in space 1b & 2. that in space 3 obsolete ;that in space 2 flattened.
FW red border falls short of reaching the apex.
HW red border in space 6 not so protruding.
https://species.wikimedia.org/wiki/Heliophorus_ila#/media/File:Ila_nolus_ACC_3043to4.jpg
https://wingscales.com/content/record/3166-1-3f425.jpg

TL Seow: Cheers.

[David Chan]

Dear Dr Seow,

Thanks a lot for the pointers.

Best regards,
David Chan