Wednesday, January 21, 2015

House of Butterflies - The Malay Viscount Butterfly

The Malay Viscount butterfly (Tanaecia pelea pelea)  


The Malay Viscount, Tanaecia pelea, is a species of butterfly of the Nymphalidae family.

Tanaecia pelea has a wingspan reaching about 65–70 millimetres (2.6–2.8 in). The basic colour of the upper wings is pale brown with pearly-bluish edges. It has dark brown marking on the basal area and a discal series of dark brown-edged hastate markings.

Habitat and Ecology

This butterfly inhabits primary and secondary rainforest. However, it favours dense, shaded forest and rarely ventures into open areas. Selective logging has a negative impact on this species (Willott et al. 2000). Both sexes are often seen puddling on rotting fruits and carrion. Adults are relatively weak, slow-flying insects that settle frequently. Females lay single eggs on the underside of the food plant. This butterfly closely resembles several other species from its genus.

Location : Taman Negara, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia - Northern Region 






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