Hesperiidae ID Request - Singapore

[loomins_zoomins]

Dear Dr Seow,

My name is Lumin Ong and I'm a new member here! May I request ID for the following Skippers:

1. Pelopidas sp. from Pulau Ubin? The forewings on this individual are longer than what I see usually in a P.mathias!
28299
28300
iNaturalist link: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/153819927

2. Potanthus sp. May I also ask what does it mean by black-dusted veins? Sometimes I see that the "dust" is under the vein.
28301
iNaturalist link: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/155343215

3. Telicota sp.
28303
iNaturalist link: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/143650776

4. Telicota sp.
28304
iNaturalist link: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/145763821

5. Telicota sp.
28305
iNaturalist link: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/158729745

6. Skipper shot by a friend
28302
iNaturalist link: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/108346427

Thank you so much in advance!!

Cheers,
Lumin Ong

[Psyche]

1. Female Pelopidas mathias.
Female have longer wings & a longer profile shape.

Two very similar species.

Pelopidas mathias.
Male UpF with spots 2 & 3 typically quadrate.
A line thru the two cellspots cut the brand.
Underside grey tinged & with a dirty look.
Males.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/155136942
https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vqr7KmROfek/VK_uf1hWp7I/AAAAAAAAfwY/N4uLlFOKIUM/s1600/SBS_adult_male_upperside_01.jpg
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NQjrfm7_wKc/VLKJc4Ocs5I/AAAAAAAAf0o/TWF0cOhFUMI/s1600/SBS_adult_Benedict_01.jpg
Females.
https://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Pelopidas%20mathias%20mathias/Small%20Branded%20Swift%20-%202%20-%20Sum%20Chee%20Ming.jpg
https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zld9bl5mdBo/VLKKIqUe-XI/AAAAAAAAf08/O8JvOpe6umE/s1600/SBS_adult_01.jpg


Pelopidas agna.
Male UpF spots 2 & 3 narrow.
A line thru the 2 cellspots bypass or just tipped the brand.
underside with a cleaner uniform look, no dirty shading.
Males.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/153167531
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/sites/default/files/2051_90012-840-616b8bee5e238-3.jpg
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yFt6Y2FL2K0/Vk6sxIXhjII/AAAAAAAAkjk/BOTDjsR60wg/s1600/PA_male_06a.jpg
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQNuynda7-c/Vk6to9P81eI/AAAAAAAAkj4/aNtww6l2YUM/s1600/PA_male_06b.jpg
Females.
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ygTUZGa_yoo/Vk6si49hwyI/AAAAAAAAkjU/L6ZAW0jUzn8/s1600/PA_female_01.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/579/22195353146_02f00c7df8_b.jpg

[Psyche]

2. Female Potanthus omaha.

Typically P. omaha is rather dull ochreous yellow but there are many intermediates between this species & P. ganda.

Potanthus omaha. Dark dusting as in this individual.
Abdominal end yellow, although the female may have some dark shading dorsally (above).
Veins across HW band dark dusted on both sides.
This include the veins on the underside FW.
Males.
https://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Potanthus%20omaha%20omaha/272%20Potanthus%20omaha%20omaha%20(Lesser%20Dart)% 20Bobby%20Mun.jpg
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/147590181
https://www.flickr.com/photos/44691276@N06/46238257944
https://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Potanthus%20omaha%20omaha/PM_adult_release_site_02.jpg
Females.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/119696872
https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6A1sOPm3bTk/UIPHu1mU6CI/AAAAAAAAG_s/SktTe4knH4E/s1600/DSC3137+Potanthus+omaha.jpg
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/164215749
pair with typical dull colour.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/128747575



Potanthus ganda.
The male of P. ganda is described as strongly reddish. However most examples in Singapore are not.
There are intermediates with P. omaha making ID difficult in some cases.
Veins generally not dark- dusted or only barely so.
Darker blackish shading.
Males.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/131869696
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/123350481
https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/potanthus-omaha-commonly-known-as-the-lesser-dart-species-of-skipper-butterflies-potanthus-omaha-246630531.jpg
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZmu9xfHUG0/Vgem0CXVGYI/AAAAAAAABdY/R2UoKPaDrmI/s1600/Potanthus%2Bganda%2B-%2Bunderside.jpg
Male with the described reddish tone.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/16581975

Females.
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X9BG2_Zk_Ps/Wc8m3pfjCiI/AAAAAAAAr_U/uyzaS7MpTEUu75uRd84GtIz705wU2thrgCLcBGAs/s1600/GandaDart_Adult_02.jpg
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ht4NZzQNDAw/Wcuga8PmFPI/AAAAAAAAr-w/cySTrPvk6d0M71ZMAUNioKiQC9ZGpCr-wCLcBGAs/s1600/Potanthus_ganda_cat3of4_underside.jpg


A third species with yellow abdominal end,P. confucius, recorded in Singapore may still be extant.
Typically the FW spots are broadly overlapping & in the male upperside, the band is continuous without interruption by dark veins.
Underside band e3dged with dark spots & ground lightly shaded.
https://wingscales.com/Hesperiidae/Potanthus-confucius-dushta
https://c8.alamy.com/comp/2ARHHTY/tropic-dart-butterfly-confucian-dart-potanthus-confucius-resting-on-grass-stem-sri-lanka-2ARHHTY.jpg
Addendum.
Probable male P. confucius. Too yellow to be P. ganda ; veins not darken; FW spots broadly overlapping.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/12289699
Addendum 2.
Singapore. Federick Ho. 10+ years ago. Male.
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B2W0fVicLAM/TlfLl8yaSSI/AAAAAAAAEq4/2t883dpTHBk/s400/DSC1958-Potanthus-confucius.jpg

[Psyche]

3. Female, 4&5. males.
Telicota besta.

This is much the commonest species in Singapore.
The identification based on on the underside can be very confusing.


Telicota besta.
This can be rather confusing as fieldshots colour range from ochreous to orange.
Male brand arcuate placed near the inner border ie adjacent to the FW cell.
Underside veins across band lightly darkdusted or with prominent raised veins & shadowlines.
Males.
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UaQyq4Qv0Do/U1vGMJpF3JI/AAAAAAAAdOE/AO0B1ysaCfU/s1600/TB_adult_01.jpg
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NbpYa8XexNw/VJQtyK97NHI/AAAAAAAASl0/i77WR2aduOU/s1600/DSC_0294.JPG
https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wFWDdWMLncY/VVBguk1pH7I/AAAAAAAAVLA/hr3ha8G9QLk/s1600/DSC_0131.JPG
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-BjVfqOIQ0/U1vGug7ph3I/AAAAAAAAdO0/Emv5HEJEs0M/s1600/TB_adult_male_up_01.jpg
https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/5cb77cac-13f5-4143-a7f2-17dfeebe596e/d1siwei-8a464175-3f7f-4550-9181-76b843b227f8.jpg/v1/fill/w_914,h_653,q_75,strp/telicota_besta_bina_i_by_log1t3ch_d1siwei-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI 1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNh NWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMT g4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7 ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NjUzIiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvNWNiNzdjYW MtMTNmNS00MTQzLWE3ZjItMTdkZmVlYmU1OTZlXC9kMXNpd2Vp LThhNDY0MTc1LTNmN2YtNDU1MC05MTgxLTc2Yjg0M2IyMjdmOC 5qcGciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9OTE0In1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpz ZXJ2aWNlOmltYWdlLm9wZXJhdGlvbnMiXX0.chb3yS1qr4jcno 74EQZ1rN6U-XZvtDSdQn1a_R-OTVo
Females. FW with cellend upper bar longer.
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P5w37zUj7Bo/U1vGmLYjGiI/AAAAAAAAdOs/OuhLXLLVMTg/s1600/TB_adult_female_up_01.jpg
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/96594886
https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OEM0FaXJUEI/U1vGhhSB71I/AAAAAAAAdOk/ZsPEPPciXJU/s1600/TB_adult_female_01.jpg
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GqK3ID-7Mlk/VIL1VCRkusI/AAAAAAAAQpM/ubrQHPG6-B4/s1600/HFH_5986-Telicota%2Bbesta%2Bbina.jpg


Telicota linna.
Male brand narrow & in the middle of the black space.
Female with both cellend bars unequally short.
Underside veins not darken in both sexes.
Underparts often paler.
Males.
https://alchetron.com/cdn/telicota-608b9a01-d3cb-4d3a-9827-d591d3395e2-resize-750.jpg
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/148087973
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/149193940
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-79Gj7N-1GXc/Vz1Td5Ld2HI/AAAAAAAAmR4/95Ux0hx6rvQBix7nmXm2PYZenG8olIQ2wCLcB/s1600/TL_male_01.jpg
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDEk4MIq_7Y/Vz1fLcMFHjI/AAAAAAAAmUA/i3pASYZomYsQt82Qg10lMbyNBvB3lzhogCLcB/s1600/TL_male_05.jpg
Female.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/131436418
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V0JtdnjTgI4/Vz1T-_3fA0I/AAAAAAAAmSI/DLZvlw-zP2EpVbHJDAHRcHltKSePCr0hACLcB/s1600/TL_female_02.jpg
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GfwkAkMITv4/VznhAIMptEI/AAAAAAAAmRM/XZFGfFws7_85wUXm9JQLC3HCEb1zfXuZgCLcB/s1600/TL_female_up_01.jpg
https://thaibutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Telicota-linna-1-1080x720.jpg


T. augias.
Male brand large straight & almost fully occupying the black space.
Often strongly orange all over, including head & body.
Fairly uniform shade all over. Adominal end orange.
Underside HW veins not darken in the male.
Female with underside HW veins lightly dark , HW band deeper orange.
Males.
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f8o_ke_F-V8/VhERLvuSs1I/AAAAAAAAR9c/hnvpvzhT6uk/s640/HFH_2455-Besta%2BPalm%2BDart.jpg
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/61654039
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hp7OPF_eJ6Q/U6ZQMNh6IkI/AAAAAAAAOPs/KFaTN4_wis4/s1600/HFH_2956-Palm-Dart-(Telicota-augias-augias).jpg
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5336/9950853134_aaff7fdc56_b.jpg
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6riT3uzrel0/VgoXg6gugdI/AAAAAAAABhk/BmQspbMAvkk/s1600/Telicota%2Baugias_male_1.jpg
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y3LkExqbZs8/VgoXg4gxecI/AAAAAAAABhk/g-Exi9WYzh8/s1600/Telicota%2Baugias_male_2.jpg
Females.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/20417040
https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oeax9BCEjgI/VgoXgwcBG_I/AAAAAAAABhk/k60Yqt8YTVA/s1600/Telicota%2Baugias_female.jpg
https://static.inaturalist.org/photos/45926688/large.jpeg


Telicota colon.
Male brand arcuate & placed near the cell (as in T. besta)
Male FW spots with long vein stripes , spot 4 & 5 staggered out ie spot 5 is farther out than spot 4.
Female with upper cellend bar long; spots 4 & 5 reduced, distorted, spot 5 often notched in the sides/bisected.
Males.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/132503926
https://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Telicota%20colon%20stinga/Telicota-colon2-KSK.jpg
https://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Telicota%20colon%20stinga/Telicota-colon3-KSK.jpg
Females.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/6234960
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/151591307
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/19901445
https://static.inaturalist.org/photos/29950833/large.jpeg
https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/51392397/large.jpeg

[Psyche]

6. Female Ampittia dioscorides.
Female.
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/sites/default/files/observation/Ampittia%20dioscorides%20dioscorides_1665604695_23 6055.jpg


TL Seow: Cheers.

[loomins_zoomins]

Thank you Dr Seow !!

[loomins_zoomins]

Dear Dr Seow,

I was scrolling through my Potanthus photos and noticed this unusual individual shot in March 2023.

28316
iNaturalist link: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/152367590

The top three forewing spots appear very detached from other spots compared to other Potanthus omaha shots I've photographed or seen! Please advice ID. Thank you so much in advance!

Cheers,
Lumin Ong

[Psyche]

Post 7.
Female Potanthus serina.
The oval black 'hole' denotes a female.
FW spot 5 much smaller than spot 4 .

For Potanthus ID it is wise to get an underside shot ,upperside shot & the abdominal end.

28317

[Psyche]

The Potanthus species my be divided into two groups.

A. The male have a yellow abdominal end & at most a thin black line basally.
The female may have some dark shading at the abdominal end.
The species P. omaha, ganda & confucius have been described earlier.

B. The male have a distinct black band or black shading.
The females similar but often less dark.
The species in Singapore are.

Potanthus serina.
Large size FW17mm ie twice the size of P. omaha.
FW spot 5 smaller than spot 4.
HW with a small spot 6 on the upper inner corner of the band.
HW ground tawny with brownish shading rather than black.
Typical males.
https://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Potanthus%20serina/Potanthus-serina-Bobby.jpg
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/145564953
https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/152680841/large.jpeg
Females. Note FW spots 2 & 3 wide.
http://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Potanthus%20serina/PS_female_Horace.jpg
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/69850815
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/19967403
Female with FW spot 8 reduced.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/6148686


Potanthus trachala. FW 15mm.
FW spots 4 & 5 without overlapping subapical spot 8 or postdiscal spot 4.
Male FW spots with strongly crescent margins
UnF spots strongly spiky.
HW upper spot of band strongly projecting.
Males.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/146029796
https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kvlAhJLLsd0/VAxf7FbehUI/AAAAAAAAQFc/hP3tC8esw5s/s1600/HFH3746-Potanthus-trachala-tytleri.jpg
Females. Note FW spots 2 & 3 narrow/quadrate.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/125304657
https://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Potanthus%20trachala%20tytleri/Potanthus_female_01.jpg
Female with FW spot 8 absent.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/134156361


Potanthus mingo FW 12mm .Small.
FW spots 4 & 5 with varying degree of overlap above & below them
UnH band strongly edged with diffuse dark spots .
Males.
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f3wB2A2ujBs/TljGL_hdu_I/AAAAAAAABdc/afUjssvXasc/s1600/_MG_1531.jpg
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQGrUAdKoxA/TljGcV6vWII/AAAAAAAABdk/75l7StMF3FY/s320/_MG_1529.jpg
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/166586148
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/148688475
Female left.Note male FW with large overlap between spot 3 & 4, so female cannot be P. trachala.
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tFtROXZYiZI/W_ErxDkE91I/AAAAAAAAUA0/vigPklu01Zk8ED1PVNUUuA9YRNAfy41dQCLcBGAs/s1600/HFH_3107%2BPotanthus%2Bmingo.JPG



Potanthus juno.FW 14mm.
FW with spot 8 absent or vestigia.
FW spot 5 typically smaller than spot 4 (as in serina.0
Underside lightly dark dusted.
HW upper end of band tend to be rounde; spot 6 absent.
Male.
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eLxO6Cqrl-k/Tv3BPqqdcTI/AAAAAAAAFIw/5qD_fJxEnpw/s400/DSC3668%2BSkipper%2B%2540%2BBukit%2BBrown.jpg
Females.
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WroJpPq0U5g/WGddN4VeO8I/AAAAAAAAQQk/yLDmI309uw8nDMBP_wvQFzx7edYEtR6IACLcB/s1600/JunoDart-KohCH.jpg
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/144847300



TL Seow: Cheers.

[loomins_zoomins]

Thank you Dr Seow for the ID and detailed guide to Potanthus key ID features!

[loomins_zoomins]

Dear Dr Seow,

Requesting ID for this suggested to be a female Baoris sp. shot in Ulu Sembawang! It is a surprisingly big skipper. Apologies for the poor quality as I could not get close for an open-wing shot but I managed to get a good shot of the sides!

28330
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/173421871

Thank you so much in advance!

Cheers,
Lumin Ong

[Psyche]

You have two different species here.
This often happens when skippers flit in & out of view in the bushes.



https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/301165445/large.jpg
1. Female Baoris likely B. oceia.

Very large with sweptback FW.
Antenna appears wholly black .(pale area very weak in Baoris).
Abdomen with more noticeable bandins.
Often HW underside may have a pale area at the cellend.
Dark colour.
https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zofygsdg7GM/UtvU6laFe0I/AAAAAAAANUw/PukGtDMyHYo/s1600/HFH_0945+female+of+Baoris+oceia.jpg
Note pale area at HW cellend.
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0rwJjrQ_JS8/UtvUmPecUgI/AAAAAAAANUo/_eleBd9rZ4Y/s1600/HFH_0894+female+of+Baoris+oceia.jpg

Female Baoris farri in Vietnam . B. oceia is not found in Vietnam)
Paler brown & almost always fully spotted.
http://butterfliesvietnam.blogspot.com/2016/08/218-baoris-farri-bamboo-paintbrush-swift.html


https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/301165971/large.jpg
2. Female probably Pelopidas agna.
Note this individual have a tear in the right FW & a crumpled left FW.
There is a tiny spot just below spot 2 (the largest spot).
This is seen in only three species. Correction: a 4th sp. Caltoris philippinafemale also have this extra spot but it lacks the cellspots.
Male & female of Pelopidas assamensis.( Excluded by FW spots large & white & white-banded antennae.)
http://yutaka.it-n.jp/hes/93130001.html
Females of P. mathias & agna.
http://yutaka.it-n.jp/hes/93120001.html
http://yutaka.it-n.jp/hes/93090001.html

The individual is rather worn
The UnH is plain brown.
P. agna is also a larger species.
These two features suggest female P. agna.



TL Seow: Cheers.

[loomins_zoomins]

Hi Dr Seow,

Thank you so much for the ID and ID features!

So sorry but I found another shot of the Pelopidas agna, same exact individual as the open-wing one.

28331

The Baoris oceia and P.agna were shot about 2 hours apart (P.agna being the one shot first) but they look very alike. Is the lack of HW cell-spots in the P.agna attributed to how worn out the individual is?

28332

I believe this is the same individual shot by Low Jian Kai (exposure lowered), it appears to have the tear in the right FW the P.agna had. Problem being, I chased this individual and shot the left side which resulted in the B.oceia photo. I apologize for not compiling the photos earlier. Please advice the ID. Thank you so much!

Cheers,
Lumin Ong

[Psyche]

Wow! What a mess!.

If all three pix are of one individual then it is Baoris oceia.
It may be that an occasional example of Baoris female have that tiny white spot in space 1b.

Pix 1 Post 11, IDed as P. agna have the following.
The left FW is damaged & this does'nt show in the other two pix in post 13.
The tear appears more triangular whereas pix 2 & 3 is more squarish.

Pix 2 & 3 post 13 looks similar but 3 looks very worn (& upper cellspot small) ,while 2 looks much better.

P. agna can have reduced spots but the worse is probably one HW cellspot & two postdiscal ones.


Perhaps you all have better eyes. If you are convinced there is only one individual then it is Baoris oceia.


TL Seow: Cheers.

[loomins_zoomins]

So sorry for the confusion and mess Hahaha :cheers: Thank you so much for the ID, I've never encountered Baoris oceia before!

Cheers,
Lumin Ong

[loomins_zoomins]

Dear Dr Seow,

Requesting some ID confirmations and clarifications for my attempted IDs! All are shot at Ulu Sembawang. I apologize for any out-of-focus areas! iNaturalist photos have better resolution, my photos are usually quite large so I have to crop a lot :sweat:

1.Potanthus omaha or Potanthus ganda? The HW veins look mostly not dark-dusted other than a few obvious ones.
28334
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/173420556

2.Caltoris cormasa female? Reduced FW spots and reddish tone?
28335
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/173787435

3.Caltoris sp. or Baoris sp.? Not too sure about this one.
2833628337
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/173787438

4.Telicota colon? The yellow-orange of the FW spots stretch along the veins? Abdomen not pale as in T.linna
2833828339
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/173787431

5.Telicota colon? For the same reasons above!
2834028341
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/173787432

Thank you you so much in advance! Been getting more confident in attempting to ID these Skippers in the field thanks to your invaluable advice. :grin2:

Cheers,
Lumin Ong

[Psyche]

Post 16.

1. Female Potanthus omaha.
In a lightly marked P. ganda the veins would be fainter still.
Pair P. ganda ,female on the right.
https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/55946854/large.jpeg


2. Female Caltoris cormasa.

Three species in Singapore have a prominent pale area on the antenna.

C. cormasa is stated to have one cellspot (thus Fullstop Swift)
Most in Singapore have two. FW spots are normally yellowish.
Reddish tone. FW subapical spots often 3, small . Often strong contrast of FW & HW.
Male & female.
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TjKxWVHrQmg/VGbOal2gmXI/AAAAAAAAfZE/UXtIkUB2kE0/s1600/CC_adult_CherHern_01.jpg
https://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Caltoris%20cormasa/283%20Caltoris%20cormasa%20Bobby%20Mun.jpg

Caltoris bromus; FW subapical often two ,& large. FW & HW more uniform. Female HW often with 1-2 spots.
Male & female.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/131436413
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/13664032

Caltoris cahira : FW subapical often 2, & large.; HW dark chocolate.
Female by Federick in Singapore, not in H.K.
https://butterflieshk.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/e694bee885abe78f82e5bc84e89db6caltoris-cahira.jpg
Below:First image is C. cahira female. 2nd image uncertain.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/125617950
Male, Taiwan.
https://content.eol.org/data/media/9e/4f/ee/854.taieol_nid_47137.jpg


3. Female Baoris oceia. Note FW & HW are of the same dark brown. Antennae totally black.
Most of the spots reduced here. (Usually only the male have much reduced spots).
https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zofygsdg7GM/UtvU6laFe0I/AAAAAAAANUw/PukGtDMyHYo/s1600/HFH_0945+female+of+Baoris+oceia.jpg


4. Telicota besta.Male.
Iding a Telicota based on the underside FW alone is usually a no no.

T. besta male . base of space 2 shaded orange (as in T. colon);Good overlap between spot 3 & 4.
https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LJmOHOJs_kI/U1vG22VSEtI/AAAAAAAAdO8/ZIb-1o8JBbc/s1600/TB_adult_male_02.jpg
https://singapore.biodiversity.online/species/A-Arth-Hexa-Lepidoptera-000056?imageId=2

T. colon. Small overlap between spot 3 & 4. FW spots 4 & 5 are staggered out from spot 3.
https://singapore.biodiversity.online/species/A-Arth-Hexa-Lepidoptera-000057?imageId=1

T. linna male FW base of space 2 not shaded orange. Underpart paler.
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wU0gNp51E3U/VgOg89qI7cI/AAAAAAAAOQg/t1opVeXR03U/s1600/Telicota-linna-Males---Horace-Tan.jpg

Cephrenes trichopepla.
FW band shaped like a pagoda; FW spot4 much larger than spot 5.
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-88j45tR9gBw/UCJqAQ_V54I/AAAAAAAAOR4/DqmSDY4iY30/s1600/CT_adult_Loke_01.jpg


5. Telicota colon male.
Most of the identifying marks on the FW are almost gone.
Underside FW last 3 veinstripes long.
https://singapore.biodiversity.online/species/A-Arth-Hexa-Lepidoptera-000057


TL Seow; Cheers.

[loomins_zoomins]

Thank you Dr Seow!

[loomins_zoomins]

Dear Dr Seow,

Requesting ID for these 2 Skippers.

1. Caltoris cormasa male? I do not see the pale area on the antennae but I'm quite sure of this ID.
2834728348
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/174700676

2. Caltoris or Baoris sp. I originally thought this was a Baoris sp. but upon closer inspection I do see the pale area on the antennae so I'm not too sure now.
283492835028351
iNaturalist:https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/174700784

Thank you so much in advance!

Cheers,
Lumin Ong

[Psyche]

Both are Baoris presumably B. oceia males.

The pale area on the antenna is very small mainly on the underside , & is not visible in most individuals.
The male seem always to have reduced spotting in Singapore.

It is extremely rare for a Caltoris like C. cormasa to have reduced spotting.

Baoris male & female.
Male with pale area on antenna, female with a pale patch on the HW cellend (diagnostic).
https://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Baoris%20oceia/Paintbrush%20Swift%20-%20Sum%20Chee%20Ming.jpg
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0rwJjrQ_JS8/UtvUmPecUgI/AAAAAAAANUo/_eleBd9rZ4Y/s1600/HFH_0894+female+of+Baoris+oceia.jpg



TL Seow: CHeers.
PS. Baoris & Caltoris are very difficult & some misIDs are inevitable.

Caltoris cormasa should show a contrast of the paler FW against the deeper HW; often 3 subapicals , noticeable pale area on the antenna.
Worn examples.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/129275333
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/133060722
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/153141682

Caltoris malaya have uniform rusty brown FW & HW; no cellspot; pale area on antenna weak.Female is yellower.
Males.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/152815684
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/147253164
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/133445751

Baoris have a uniform greyer brown ,ground, male with more swept FW ;often a pale area on HW cellend ; much reduced spotting in the male.
Example with a pale area on HW cellend.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/155151606
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/146519783
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/140637606

[loomins_zoomins]

Ohhh I see, thank you Dr Seow!

[loomins_zoomins]

Dear Dr Seow,

Requesting ID and clarification regarding Potanthus omaha vs Potanthus mingo. If I'm not wrong, P.omaha's abdominal end is usually yellow with a basal black line sometimes for males and dark shading dorsally sometimes for females while in P.mingo, the abdominal end is distinctly dark shaded. Other than that, both species have similar features such as FW spots 4 and 5 having varying levels of overlap with other spots and a generally small size to me. I also understand that in P.omaha there can be individuals with very dark shading which makes it more confusing for me because I'm not sure if the shading will apply to the abdominal end.

1. Potanthus omaha? Abdominal end shaded basally and maybe dorsally?
28353
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/173420563

2. Potanthus omaha due to abdominal end features and darkened veins.
28354
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/173787434 (more angles on iNat)

3. I'm not too sure with this one due to the shaded abdominal end. Could it be P.mingo?
28355
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/173225129

4. Potanthus mingo? This one stood out the most to me due to the shading and also that it's the smallest Potanthus I've ever shot.
28356
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/175002832 (more shots)

5. Not related to the question but just wanted to confirm if this is P.omaha, not used to seeing pristine ones!
28357
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/170110581

Thank you so much in advance!

Cheers,
Lumin Ong

[Psyche]

Post 22.
The difficulty is identifying the female which all have varying degree of dark shading on the abdominal end.
Note P. omaha is the only species which is stated to have dark-dusted veins especially on both sides of the HW.

1. P. omaha male .Abdominal end is yellow.

2. P. omaha male. similar to 1.

3 Probably P. mingo female.
Note abdominal end is broadly shaded black.
FW veins not so distinct; vein dividing spot 4 & 5 hardly dark-dusted.

4. P. omaha female.
Abdominal end more evenly dark-shaded but not as black as 3.

5. P. omaha male. Lightly marked but all veins equal.


P. omaha;
Abdominal end yellow in male, dark-shaded in female.
Veins distinctly dark on HW both sides.
Upperside FW veins strongly black.
Male
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/156235472
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/84928457
Female.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/147267181
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/162137058


P.ganda
Abdominal end yellow ; Veins not dark-dusted FW & HW both sides .
The typical forms are obvious but there seem many intermediates, ie crosses with P. omaha.
Upperside HW band veins not visible.
Female abdominal end only lightly dark.
Males.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/131869696
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/78956324

Females. Note abdominal end less dark than others.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/104345770
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ht4NZzQNDAw/Wcuga8PmFPI/AAAAAAAAr-w/cySTrPvk6d0M71ZMAUNioKiQC9ZGpCr-wCLcBGAs/s1600/Potanthus_ganda_cat3of4_underside.jpg
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/145665523
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/175686730


P. mingo
Abdominal end black-banded in the male; strongly blackish in the female.
HW veins over band not dark-dusted on both sides.
Males.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/151463827
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/99475050
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/19332629
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EGfuIVmIAcM/Xm44SFZWNPI/AAAAAAAAUyQ/7MKmfZclFC4HrcGGzMmJmYIoxUSKucmwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/HFH_8042%2BPotanthus%2Bsp.JPG
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f3wB2A2ujBs/TljGL_hdu_I/AAAAAAAABdc/afUjssvXasc/s1600/_MG_1531.jpg
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQGrUAdKoxA/TljGcV6vWII/AAAAAAAABdk/75l7StMF3FY/s320/_MG_1529.jpg
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/166586148

Probable females.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/115727903
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/26435967


TL Seow:Cheers.

[loomins_zoomins]

Thank you Dr Seow! Hope to find more Potanthus soon!

[loomins_zoomins]

Dear Dr Seow,

Requesting some ID clarifications for some of JX and I's past and current shots!

1. Potanthus omaha typical male because the abdominal-end's black band isn't that extensive compared to typical P.mingo? Veins also dark-dusted.
28360
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/175914065

2. Potanthus omaha female? Not too sure about this one, would P.omaha have way darker HW upper-side veins than this?
2836128362
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/175913800

3. Potanthus sp. is this a possible P.mingo? Old shot.
28363
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/175914378

4. Potanthus ganda? The veins look very faint in comparison to the rest of the wings' dark shading so I'm not too sure.
28364
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/175914438

5. Pelopidas agna? Uniform brown.
2836528366
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/175914100

Thank you so much in advance!

Cheers,
Lumin Ong

[loomins_zoomins]

Sorry! Forgot two more.

6. Caltoris cormasa? Not too sure.
28367
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/145045919

7.Pelopidas agna?
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/168507919

Thank you so much in advance!

Cheers,
Lumin Ong

[Psyche]

Post 25.

1. Potanthus omaha male.
All veins are uniformly dark.
Some male do have a slightly thicker black band than others.

2. Potanthus omaha female.
This is intriguing because it has a lage HW spot 6.
Underside all veins evenly dark .UpF veins dark UpH veins weak but all veins visible (except vein 5 which is weak in all specis).
The specis is very variable.
Compare typical form.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/162137058

3.Potanthus serina female.
Abdominal end black banded; FW spot 5 smaller.
The female is less obvious in the disparity of FW spots 4 & 5..
http://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Potanthus%20serina/PS_female_Horace.jpg

4. Potanthus ganda female.
The veins are not dark-dusted. They just appear as grey lines.
In both sexes the FW veins are also not blacken.
Females.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/104345770
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/175686730

Female P. confucius (Taiwan ssp.) for comparison
All veins not dark-dusted (or barely) .HW with large spot 6.
(I have not seen any P. ganda with a large HW spot 6.)
https://www.tbn.org.tw/sites/ozop/files/styles/extra_large/public/taxonbio/featured_image/biotaxon-b10deec4-ce6f-4671-bab0-40d2fe035ce3-1.jpg?itok=A8G19P1n
https://pictureinsect.com/image-handle//image/1080/152490026452647938.jpeg?x-oss-process=image/format,webp
http://dearlep.tw/images/Papilionoidea/Hesperiidae/%E8%87%BA%E7%81%A3%E9%BB%83%E6%96%91%E5%BC%84%E8%9 D%B6(%E9%BB%83%E6%96%91%E5%BC%84%E8%9D%B6)%20DSC_0 068.jpg
Below is also a female Note FW black hole.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/77600294@N07/11186750196
Male.
https://www.tbn.org.tw/sites/ozop/files/styles/extra_large/public/taxonbio/featured_image/biotaxon-b10deec4-ce6f-4671-bab0-40d2fe035ce3-4.jpg?itok=-myXQEX0

[Psyche]

Post 25.
5 . Probably correct as Pelpidas agna female.
Note a line thru the 2 FW cellspot spot bypass the spot in space 1b ( appearing as a grey streak ,left FW.)
From the underside alone I would think it is P. mathias.


Pelopidas mathias.
Ground colour tinged grey, often strongly, giving it a dirty look.

Male upperside FW spots 2 & 3 more quadrate.
A line drawn through the two FW cellspots cuts the male brand.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/budak/51631121777
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/169308060
https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vqr7KmROfek/VK_uf1hWp7I/AAAAAAAAfwY/N4uLlFOKIUM/s1600/SBS_adult_male_upperside_01.jpg
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/163651691

Female ;A line through the two FW cellspots cut the spot in space 1b or at least moves nearer it.
Below pic. The grey here appears as whitish shadung.
https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7JuPSD_pjiw/VK_u-_EaVaI/AAAAAAAAfxI/MIhW9LRXrhY/s1600/SBS_adult_underside_02.jpg
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eYsLtkDVM7A/VK_vH20SNVI/AAAAAAAAfxQ/90i1_OxhG2M/s1600/SBS_adult_upperside_02.jpg
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8ydI8r9_gA/VK_ukM-2WvI/AAAAAAAAfwg/gk7NgCPosu8/s1600/SBS_adult_upperside_01.jpg


Pelopidas agna.
Underside ground colour not grey-tinged, giving a cleaner uniform look.

Male with FW spots 2 & 3 rather narrow.
A line through the two cellspot bypass the brand or just tip it.
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/sites/default/files/622_88205-108-614b92cdad160-1.jpg
https://singapore.biodiversity.online/species/A-Arth-Hexa-Lepidoptera-000037
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/---kNw2cMzXk/Vk6sG-yQ4pI/AAAAAAAAkis/_D9yI2uoj9Y/s1600/PA_male_05a.jpg
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/sites/default/files/2051_90012-840-616b8bee5e238-3.jpg
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/164349529

Female
A line through the two FW cellspots moves away from the spot in space 1b.
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ8zLdRnY3c/Vk6sf9pYp0I/AAAAAAAAkjM/D8jqwyvgt74/s1600/PA_female_02.jpg
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7zXwSQZiZjw/Vk6snOvQSBI/AAAAAAAAkjc/FLIs7DHMunE/s1600/BengalSwiftF-KSK.jpg
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ygTUZGa_yoo/Vk6si49hwyI/AAAAAAAAkjU/L6ZAW0jUzn8/s1600/PA_female_01.jpg
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gancw1/22195353146


In fieldshots perspective distortion makes difficult to judge the alignment of the drawn line.
Features are not absolute.



Post 26.

6. Caltoris cormasa smale.
This is fairly typical, strong red tone, three subapicalspot ,spots pale yellowish, upper FW cellspot small.


7. Pelopidas agna male.
No noticeable grey tinge.
Similar appearance to 5.




TL Seow: Cheers.

[loomins_zoomins]

Thank you Dr Seow! May I also ask in P.ganda and P.omaha intermediates that almost look alike, would P.ganda have lightly dark-dusted veins similar to a light shaded P.omaha? Are there any specific veins I should look out for if that's the case or is an upper-side shot the only way to tell these intermediates apart? Thank you!

[Psyche]

Thank you Dr Seow! May I also ask in P.ganda and P.omaha intermediates that almost look alike, would P.ganda have lightly dark-dusted veins similar to a light shaded P.omaha? Are there any specific veins I should look out for if that's the case or is an upper-side shot the only way to tell these intermediates apart? Thank you!


I am afraid it is not possible.
Despite what many people think crosses between allied species are not rare & often they are fully interfertile.
This happens even among higher order animals such as mammals.
For examples the Sumatran & Bornean orang-utan are fully interfertile although given full species status.
A third the Tampanuli Orang have also been raised to full species.

If a male ganda crosses with a female omaha the veins may be half dark but if the hybrid integrate back into its colony eg ganda the vein darkening clears again.

All I can say is look at all the veins to see if they are equally dark.
In the past I have also made many mis IDs.
Eg.1. Veins are faint. Probably a hybrid.
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8xXyOhBOa1Q/WckTv35mcFI/AAAAAAAAr44/e0yZ4zfUbAYuFb4KCbE1TQq2_qSSrxc3QCLcBGAs/s1600/GandaDart-KohCH.jpg
Compare a normal P. omaha female.
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DaXbrMj8OB4/TxlTMTF-FxI/AAAAAAAAFTg/WheuP9v6Uzc/s1600/DSC3988-Potanthus%2BSarina.jpg

Eg 2. I thought this too orangey. Best left as P. omaha.
https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L3ew9ztkIks/U5JqPz8aSgI/AAAAAAAAOKw/Qh7FzPC3VHg/s1600/HFH_2474-Potanthus-ganda.jpg


The web is full of misIDs which make trying to get a valid image to compare very difficult.

"P. ganda ' in P. Malaysia.
Abdominalend almost wholly black.. P. lydia.
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TX9TTZNzHSE/Uk1t6rzZDEI/AAAAAAAALIk/qVvQ0LFaJNg/s1600/DSC_0448.JPG

This one is so orange in colour but the appearance looks typical omaha.
https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/observations/6441399#data_quality_assessment

This one is interesting.
FW spot 8 is reduced; spot 5 is smaller than spot 4.Abdominal end lightly shaded.
This suggest it is P. juno.
Not all P.juno have FW spot 8 absent; if just reduced, it is larger on the underside FW.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/budak/52368208013/

Compare P. juno female with spot 8 absent.
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WroJpPq0U5g/WGddN4VeO8I/AAAAAAAAQQk/yLDmI309uw8nDMBP_wvQFzx7edYEtR6IACLcB/s450/JunoDart-KohCH.jpg
http://yutaka.it-n.jp/hes/92750001.html
Addendum.
In P. serina , apart from the abdominal end black band, the side of the antennal shaft is black. In a side view the front antenna appears almost all black.
https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/250060361/large.jpg
https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/238874801/original.jpg
In P. juno the antennal shaft is chequered all round.
https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/248697043/original.jpeg

TL Seow: Cheers.
PS. Two more intermediates with incomplete dark dusting of the veins but best left as P. omaha.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/19590919
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/19527372

PS2. Most intermediates are best left as variants of P. omaha.

[loomins_zoomins]

Dear Dr Seow,

Requesting ID and clarifications for a few Skippers shot by JX and I.

1. Potanthus omaha. Rather pristine male? I always get confused when I see pristine and light P.omaha but the veins still look dark-dusted and prominent!
28377
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/176455291

2. Intermediate Potanthus omaha? It seems that on the HW upperside, the veins are half dark only which is intriguing!
I was unable to get a side view to show the abdominal end but it appears that only the top is shaded like that (from what I saw, I could've seen wrongly as the wings kept blocking), indicating a female for it was also ovi-positing on nearby grass.
283782837928380
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/176455156

3. Not a Potanthus but this one has me confused. Suggested to be a faded P.lubricans and I don't think it is Baoris. Was unfortunately not able to get any more shots due to wind.
2838128382
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/176455312

Thank you so much in advance!

Cheers,
Lumin Ong

[Psyche]

Post 31.

1. Female Potanthus omaha.
Female from the rounded wings & the abdominal end which is broad & tapers to an upper tip .
The veins are uniformly dark-dusted.


2. Female Potanthus ganda.
Female from the FW 'black hole' & the abdominal shading.
If the HW veins are faintly orange or brown it is not dark-dusted. Moreover this individual is very fresh (from the intact cilia).
Veins need to be at least partially black.
eg.
https://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Potanthus%20omaha%20omaha/PM_adult_release_site_02.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/15/Lesser_Dart_Potanthus_omaha_omaha._DSCF6561_%2814% 29._Singapore.JPG

Freshly eclosed female P. ganda, raised by Horace.
Note the veins are orange, slightly raised (from pumped fluid during wing expansion.).
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0llTLMbJTQ/WckUNrfzROI/AAAAAAAAr5M/o3-Ct6G-QmYAcl_5NwxMLN3zKoo-eNxxACLcBGAs/s1600/GandaDart-HoraceT.jpg

The 3rd pic shows FW spot 5 appearing smaller than spot 4.
This could raised confusion with P. serina.
A useful feature is that all species with a black band on the abdominal end also have the outside of the antenna largely blackish.
In a profile shot the front antenna is mostly black ,particularly in P. serina.


Profile shot of P. serina showing the blackness on the outside of the antennal shaft.
http://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Potanthus%20serina/Potanthus-serina-KSK.jpg
http://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Potanthus%20serina/PS_female_Horace.jpg
P. trachala.
https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kvlAhJLLsd0/VAxf7FbehUI/AAAAAAAAQFc/hP3tC8esw5s/s1600/HFH3746-Potanthus-trachala-tytleri.jpg

P. omaha showing chequered antennae.
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dKUEBsLc9PY/UC7VnHidiwI/AAAAAAAAGcU/HUYA1VMSDHk/s1600/DSC2326-Potanthus+omaha.jpg
https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6A1sOPm3bTk/UIPHu1mU6CI/AAAAAAAAG_s/SktTe4knH4E/s1600/DSC3137+Potanthus+omaha.jpg
P. ganda.
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X9BG2_Zk_Ps/Wc8m3pfjCiI/AAAAAAAAr_U/uyzaS7MpTEUu75uRd84GtIz705wU2thrgCLcBGAs/s1600/GandaDart_Adult_02.jpg



3. Female Caltoris philippina.
Long swept FW ;FW without cellspot; blackish antennae.
The underside shows a coarsely speckled pattern of ochreous scales.

Only Caltoris & Polytremis have strong overlay of scales.
In fresh specimens, the overlay is more even, but when worn forms a coarse speckling of paler spots.

Baoris do not show this feature or perhaps very weakly.
Worn Baoris farri.
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/sites/default/files/BaorisFarri_GauravAgavekar_ag365_0.jpg
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/sites/default/files/2175_70326-501-5f776a915481f-1_0.jpg

Caltoris philippina 1 male & 2 females.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/147253166
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/147253168
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/139732722
FW without cellspot.
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DPQer73tiu0/VVgRAp14a2I/AAAAAAAAhcc/fORzRm3U2po/s1600/CP_adult_male_01.jpg


TL Seow; Cheers.

[loomins_zoomins]

Thank you Dr Seow!

May I also ask are the HW veins 4(?) and below usually of darker tone in Potanthus sp. even in species such as P.ganda that do not have dark-dusted veins? The P.ganda photos in the above post had a few dark veins (HW vein 4 and below) which made me think this was more towards P.omaha but the color of the veins are now clear to me! In P.omaha all the HW veins except vein 5 would be dark/black right?

1. Requesting ID for a Skipper I shot today too which I thought was Pelopidas conjunctus due to the size. I unfortunately took a far shot so here is a shot by my friend Monique!

iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/176584449

Thank you once again!

Cheers,
Lumin Ong

[Psyche]

Post 33.

In Skippers, HW vein 5 is vestigial, undeveloped & may be represented by a line or fold.
It can hardly be seen & is not darken.

In the male P. omaha below the visible HW veins are , 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, & 8.
The upper part of the band is a squarish spot in space 4 & 5.
You can make out a faint vein 5 cutting horizontally across this spot.
On the upperside Hw vein 5 is not visible.
https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/253991849/large.jpg

Eliot state of P. omaha in C&P4 : "On both wings the veins are distinctly blackened on the yellow bands."
He meant the upperside only.

The female P. omaha tend to have more strongly blackened veins.

Average Male.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/142435940

Females.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/173787436
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/173426996
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/170793405
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/162440420
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/162137058
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/145202833
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/116249918
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/97747887

females P. ganda.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/102807251
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/145665523


https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/306777716/large.jpeg
As for this ,the wings in the shadow seem to have more prominent veins, but judgement should not be based on poor lighting.(Orange veins & fold-lines become black.)
This has more the appearance of P. ganda


The 2nd is probably P. agna female.
Unfortunately the view is oblique.
P. agna is a larger species than P. mathias especially the female which is often misIDed as P. assamensis or conjubctus.


P. conjunctus can be IDed by its large size ,& that the fW spots are yellow, while the HW spots are white.
2 males & 1 female.
https://wanderingbutterflyeffect.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/6a0100a801ee89000e0110162468f1860b.jpg
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FvDO3Lfw_To/VwiMznz4M2I/AAAAAAAAmCc/nvyGYR91VEIRPMXu_8UtbWohigle6IdhQ/s1600/PC_adult_Khew_03.jpg
http://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Pelopidas%20conjunctus%20conjunctus/PC_adult_01.jpg


TL Seow: Cheers.

[loomins_zoomins]

Thank you Dr Seow!

[loomins_zoomins]

Dear Dr Seow,

Revisiting a Telicota sp. I shot the other day among many Potanthus omaha at MacRitchie.

1. Telicota besta? The two photos were shot under different lighting due to clouds and unfortunately, the butterfly did not give me any other angles such as upper-sides and just stayed still the whole time. I do see a little bit of dark-dusting (several specks) on the HW veins towards the margins.

2839328394
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/170110582
Better lighting by Monique: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/170120373

2. Although not a Skipper, I am very curious to hear your opinion on this Drupadia sp. my friends and I shot also in MacRitchie. Unfortunately, it only gave us this shot before disappearing and I understand that the HW isn't that clear.

Shot by Monique on iNautralist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/176586987

Thank you so much in advance!

Cheers,
Lumin Ong

[Psyche]

Post 36.

1. Male Telicota besta.

If the HW veins are raised & also with heavy shadowlines it is likely to be T. besta.
There are two proven underside males with upperside confirmation.

1. Raub
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NbpYa8XexNw/VJQtyK97NHI/AAAAAAAASl0/i77WR2aduOU/s1600/DSC_0294.JPG
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n_yvZvniiOM/VJQtyNZmRuI/AAAAAAAASl4/IEKfYylJ0jU/s1600/DSC_0303.JPG
Some images are T. linna.
http://nlliew66butterflies.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-besta-palm-dart-telicota-besta-bina.html

2. Sebastian's shot.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/176612143


You can hardly see veins daken or with dark dusting in the others.
T. augias males.
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hp7OPF_eJ6Q/U6ZQMNh6IkI/AAAAAAAAOPs/KFaTN4_wis4/s1600/HFH_2956-Palm-Dart-(Telicota-augias-augias).jpg
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f8o_ke_F-V8/VhERLvuSs1I/AAAAAAAAR9c/hnvpvzhT6uk/s640/HFH_2455-Besta%2BPalm%2BDart.jpg
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/104101569
T. linna males.
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-79Gj7N-1GXc/Vz1Td5Ld2HI/AAAAAAAAmR4/95Ux0hx6rvQBix7nmXm2PYZenG8olIQ2wCLcB/s1600/TL_male_01.jpg
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GdFakZH5jew/VgOglxSyTZI/AAAAAAAAOQI/klpr0iaTa1U/s1600/Telicota-linna-M---Horace-Tan.jpg
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/148087973
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/131311724
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/27994632


2. Drupadia ravindra female.
Although HW space 6 & 7 are largely black & white suggesting D. rufotaenia, there are other feature,

1. FW discal band is diffusely broad in D. rufotaenia.
2. The HW subtornal orange line/band is always present in rufotaenia.
3. The female D. ravindra have more rounded FW.

D. ravindra female.
http://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Drupadia%20ravindra%20moorei/Common%20Posy%20-%202%20-%20Khew.jpg
http://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Drupadia%20ravindra%20moorei/Common%20Posy%2001%20090808.jpg

D. rufotaenia female.
http://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Drupadia%20rufotaenia%20rufotaenia/Pygmy%20Posy%201%20110908.jpg
http://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Drupadia%20rufotaenia%20rufotaenia/202%20Drupadia%20rufotaenia%20rufotaenia%20(Pygmy% 20Posy)%20..%20Sunny%20Chir.jpg


D. ravindra have a dwarf form which is much smaller, though still larger than rufotaenia.

Several years back there was a record shot of a male rufotaenia mating with a female ravindra.
This will result in some intermediates which may be hard to Id.


TL Seow: Cheers.

[loomins_zoomins]

Dear Dr Seow,

Thank you for the earlier IDs! Despite having little shots today, I still somehow managed to find one Potanthus that I would like to request clarification for! The issue being related to the Potanthus ganda ID in Post 31.

1. Potanthus serina female? Due to FW spot 4 being bigger than spot 5, HW spot 6 tiny and in the corner, abdominal end black at the tip but more on the dorsal side. I note that in Post 31, the antennae can be also a way to tell between the two Potanthus groups and I believe in this individual, the outer area of the antennae being black (although thin) would make it P.serina as well but I look forward to your reply!

2839528396
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/177169159

Thank you so much in advance!

Cheers,
Lumin Ong

[Psyche]

Post 38.

You certainly comes up with some unusual Potanthus.

The problem is the rounded wing profile shape is that of P. omaha/ganda.
The small disparity in size between spot 4 & 5 can also be seen in other species. Likewise the small HW spot 6.

The blackness of the outside of the antennal shaft seem variable in P. serina.Don't use it as a guide.
The marginal area in P. serina is neater ,more orangey & the ground is shaded brownish rather than blackish.

Here are some correct female P. serina for comparison.
http://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Potanthus%20serina/PS_female_Horace.jpg
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/69257201
The antennae are all chequered in the images below.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/31842760
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/149102606

P. serina is a large species FW 17mm vs FW 12-13 for P. omaha/ganda.
It is as large as most Telicota & is twice the size of P. omaha.

If you can recall the size as very big, it should be P. serina.
Otherwise it is very likely to be P. ganda female.



TL Seow:Cheers.

[loomins_zoomins]

Thank you so much Dr Seow! It's weird individuals like these that make me question whether I remember the ID features or not Hahaha. This individual was tiny and should be a P.ganda in the end! Will be sure to take note of their sizes from now on, been too focused on the spots and veins :bsmile:

[loomins_zoomins]

Dear Dr Seow,

Requesting ID and clarifications regarding some Skipper shots of the Tribe Baorini from across my butterfly-photography journey!

1. Borbo cinnara?
28398
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/161603866

2. Borbo cinnara? To differentiate Borbo from Parnara, do we look at the FW subapical spot 8 (absent in local Parnara?) and arrangement of HW spots?
28399
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/178335950

3. Not too sure about this one.
28400
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/153816731

4. Baoris sp. maybe Baoris oceia?
28401
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/178335954

5. Caltoris sp. or Baoris sp.? This one seems to have faint HW spots which I've never seen before in Caltoris!
28402
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/178335953

6. Just wanted to confirm if this is Potanthus ganda! My saturation levels are in the negatives and yet it is still so orange!
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/178336776

I apologize for the quality of some of the photos as they were taken with my old lens when I was just starting out! Thank you so much in advance!

Cheers,
Lumin Ong

[loomins_zoomins]

Adding on what I think is a Parnara sp. shot by JX! Shot on 8 June 2023

7.
28403
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/166431587

Thank you!

[Psyche]

Post 41.

In terribly worn individual the subapical spots may be a help.

Parnara .
FW subapical spots 6 & 7 with their margins aligned. The upper spot 8 shifted out or also aligned with spot 6 & 7.
P. ganga.
https://thaibutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Parnara-apostata-1080x675.jpg
https://www.flickr.com/photos/26689187@N00/5003748713
p. bada.(spot 8 absent0.
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0I-dS-avZ6Q/WFCo49Lh9SI/AAAAAAAAcEE/NZ8YqT6dpiAjZ1oh1L1icUI0jqEN_y3jQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0330-001.JPG


Borbo cinnara.
All three subapicalspots in an arc or upper spots 7 8 more aligned.
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jMZu5Yy4Yg0/U5srGBECJPI/AAAAAAAAduM/h_NUjDNPj3M/s1600/FS_adult_Federick_01.jpg
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w--ngH74-8s/U1_X9xI6-pI/AAAAAAAAdUw/wYPH5nHDJhc/s1600/FS_adult_flower_01.jpg
https://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Borbo%20cinnara%20cinnara/FS_adult_female_01.jpg


Pelopidas mathias/agna
FW subapical spots 7 7 8 with their margins aligned. Spot 6 shifted out.
https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q60220584#/media/File:Close_wing_position_of_Pelopidas_mathias_(Fab ricius,_1798)_%E2%80%93_Small_Branded_Swift_WLB_DS C_0113.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51631121777_1514b98478_b.jpg




1. FW subapical spots eveenly separated; Greenish body hairs; antennal clubs thick.
Likely Borbo cinnara.

2. Borbo cinnata.
No hW cellspot; thick antennal club ;fW subapical spots 7 8 in line.

3. Pelopidas agna female.
FW spots 6 & 7well separated. This indicate if spot 8 is present it will be close to spot 7 (as in Pelopidas)
There appear to be a faint white cellspot in the correct position.

4. Uniform dark brown ;antennae black suggest Baoris probably B. oceia.

5. Unknown
Fw spots suggest or baoris.
The reddish brown colour exclude Borbo or Pelopidas or Parnara.
HW "vague spots" do not match any species.

6. Female Potanthus ganda.
Potanthus ganda is normally stated to be quite reddish.
The Singapore population is likely to be mixed & variable.
typical male.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/16026310


7. Parnara probably P. bada.
Note FW subapical spots 6 & 7 in line, spot 8 is missing; thick antennal club.
HW with irregular spotting.



TL Seow:Cheers.

[Psyche]

Re4vision

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/178335953
Post 41, 5.Pelopidas spp.

The three well-spaced HW spots are as in this example of female Pelopidas agna.
The three large HW spots are spot 2, 4, & 6.
The three small spots are spot 3, 5, & 7.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/178388163

The HW cellspot is missing, but this does occasionally happens.
Below, note the male from Ranong lack HW cellspot.
http://yutaka.it-n.jp/hes/93090001.html


TL Seow: Cheers.

[loomins_zoomins]

Thank you Dr Seow!

[loomins_zoomins]

Dear Dr Seow,

Requesting ID for these two skippers!

1. Potanthus trachala tytleri? FW spots 4 and 5 touching only the spikes of the adjacent spots + abdominal end black-banded. So unfortunate a Crab Spider got it before I did :-(
2840528406
iNaturalist:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/179335384
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/179342250

2. Baoris sp. maybe Baoris oceia male? Shot by JX.
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/179335836

Thank you so much in advance!

Cheers,
Lumin Ong

[Psyche]

Post 46.

1. This is a typical male Potanthus trachala.
Abdominal end banded black; FW spots 4 & 5 without overlap from the others.
Note HW band upper spot (actually in space 4 & 5) strongly shifted outwards.


2 Baoris likely B. oceia .
If abdomen is noticeably banded, it is a plus feature.
eg.
http://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Baoris%20oceia/Paintbrush-Swift---Khew.jpg
https://www.butterflycircle.com/checklist/mugshots/Baoris%20farri%20farri/Baoris%20farri%20farri%20-%20Horace%20Tan.jpg


TL Seow: Cheers.

[loomins_zoomins]

Dear Dr Seow,

Hope you've been well! Requesting ID for this skipper found in Sungei Buloh. It has white-tipped antennae so I assume I can rule out most of the local swifts such as Caltoris and Baoris. All photos are of the same individual shot by JX and I.

Might this be Hyarotis microsticta (please correct me if it has been revised to H.microstictum!)?

28504 2850728508

Thank you in advance!

Cheers,
Lumin Ong

[Psyche]

Yes. This is Hyarotis microsticta.

All scientific names are written in Latin.
Latin have gender specific endings whether in noun or adjective.
The earlier European naturalists all studied Latin

Hyarotis is the ancient Greek name of a river in the Punjab ( now Ravi river.)

microsticta means small spots.... female gender.
microstictus is the male gender form.
microstictum is the plural neutral gender form.

This species was named first as Isoteinon microstictum by Wood-mason et al.
Not sure what Isoteinon meant.

When it was transferred to Hyarotis it was named as Hyarotis microsticta.
To be grammatically correct the gender of the describing adjective must match the noun.

Since Hyarotis is regarded in the male gender, the correct adjective should be microstictus.

I am simply following C&P4 in retaining the name as Hyarotis microsticta.
( Hyarotis' gender was probably uncertain then ,& thought to be female.)

Japanese entomologists who now do extensive studies do not have Latin; they simply use the first written taxonomic name without considering the gender change.
Thus they put this down as Hyarotis microstictum.
https://yutaka.it-n.jp/hes/91840001.html

Here is the grammatically correct name placed at the top.
https://thaibutterflies.com/Butterflies/hyarotis-microsticta/


TL Seow: Cheers

[loomins_zoomins]

Thank you Dr Seow!