Spalgis sp ?

[Green Baron]

I shot this lycaenid at Telok Blangah Hill Park (TBHP) a few weeks back.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/greenbaron/Butterfly/UFO/Spalgissp-tbhp-200503-IMG_6031-2.jpg

Initially I thought it was Apefly (Spalgis epius epius) but on closer examiniation the patterns are different from Apefly and it lacks the characteristic whitish patch on the forewing.
Compare the above to this photo from Khew's website !

http://www.geocities.com/rainforest/vines/2382/lycaenidae/epius1.jpg


However, according to C&P4 pg227 :

Occassionally very small specimens are found, which, in both sexes, entirely lack the whitish patch on the forewing. These give the impression of being a distinct species, but there appears to be no difference in the male genitalia and they are left as an unnamed variety
:what: 'unnamed variety' ? :hmmm: :thinking: What do you guys think ? Is this Apefly, the unnamed variety or another species which I have missed ?

Keep a look out for this tiny fella the next time you go to TBHP.

[Green Baron]

No Comments ? Khew ? CP ? Neo ?

[Commander]

As I see it, there is no major difference in the markings, other than the white spot at the forewing cell end. In your shot, the specimen does have a spot, but it's not as distinct as the usual specimens.

My take is that this is probably more of a variation or an aberration.

[Rustic]

I went through C&P4 briefly after you post. Did not work out any thoughts to the question -- so just keep quiet. :) I have yet to see enough of them. :P

[Green Baron]

I guess I have to go back to TBHP to see if I can find more similar looking siblings :-)

[Rustic]

Found this page from google.
http://pikul.lib.ku.ac.th/insect/007-013%20INSECTS%20of%20Thailand/007%20Illustrated%20in%20A%20to%20Z/S829/

This is Spalgia epius nobilus, look a bit similar. but not definitive since the shot is overexposed.
http://pikul.lib.ku.ac.th/insect/007-013%20INSECTS%20of%20Thailand/007%20Illustrated%20in%20A%20to%20Z/S829/Spalgia%20epius%20nobilus%20A2%20.jpg