Potanthus from Doi Inthanon Thailand

[DaveChiangMai]

I am in need of some help with this Potanthus from Doi Inthanon, Thailand. At 1,300 metres, July 2024.
I think it's either P. mingo or P. nesta. but not sure.
The first two images are the same individual, but the third image is a different individual. But they appear to be the same species and were in the same area at the same time.
Grateful for any comments please.

28555

28556

28557

[Psyche]

The Potanthus can be very difficult, more so in Thailand where a score of species occur.


These look to be Potanthus pseudomaesa.

28558
Three species are very similar in the following features.
1. The abdominal end is black/-banded.
2. FW spots 4 & 5 are detached or almost so from the other spots.
3. HW band's outer spot (comprising spots 4 & 5) is projected outwards strongly from the band.


P. pseudomaesa. Usually slight overlap of spot 3 & 4; spots 4 & 5 may be fully detached in female.
Fw spot 3 is wide (ie horizontal),often wider than spot 2 but short (vertically).
Underside bands edged with black spots.
https://yutaka.it-n.jp/hes/92740010.html
https://wingscales.com/Hesperiidae/Potanthus-pseudomaesa-clio
Added.
Probable male & female, India.
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/sites/default/files/observation/Potanthus%20spp.%20_1701619189_255568.jpg
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/sites/default/files/observation/Potanthus%20spp.%20_1665190495_236702.jpg


Potanthus pallida. FW spots 4 & 5 usually fully detached.
FW spot 3 narrower than spot 2 & more quadrate in shape.
Underside paler & greyer ,less heavy spotting.
https://yutaka.it-n.jp/hes/92720001.html
Added
Probable, India . Note widely detached spots 4 & 5 ; FW spot 3 'narrower' than spot 2 ; male on the right.
https://live.staticflickr.com/4007/4261960169_78cc85b483_b.jpg


Potanthus trachala. FW spots 4 & 5 usually fully detached.
FW band/spots narrow, spots 2 & 3 crescentic in the male, with straighter margins in the female.
https://yutaka.it-n.jp/hes/92730010.html
https://wingscales.com/Hesperiidae/Potanthus-trachala-tytleri
Added ,Male ,India.
https://www.ifoundbutterflies.org/sites/default/files/observation/Potanthus%20spp.%20_1701619617_255500.jpg


The others mentioned.

P. nesta.
HW band outer spot not projected outwards.
FW band mostly continuous without the veins blackened.
Abdominal end with a black band.
https://yutaka.it-n.jp/hes/92800001.html
https://thaibutterflies.com/Butterflies/potanthus-nesta/



P. mingo.
HW band outer spot not strongly projected.
FW spots 4 & 5 with varying overlaps with the others.
UnH band heavily edged with black spots ,margin may be zigzag.
https://yutaka.it-n.jp/hes/92810010.html
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5_9wwftHbJ6C97VFfHjBljap90yqt_K6g0UFJXldfl OxGwk1rxYh6RckpLxYxa60P6tqMhtRjk626-ndg_G6sE0LZPX4TCcc_LPqi3SUVLUQ1AA6vncK9CX0KCZ8qiaN E-dSHhNeVVY/s1600/_MG_1531.jpg



TL Seow: Cheers.

[DaveChiangMai]

Many thanks. This helps a great deal.