Telicota colon stinga (Pale Palm Dart)

Telicota colon stinga (Pale Palm Dart) - latest re-discovery of Singapore butterfly

Identifying the Telicota genus poses challenges due to its resemblance to other species. Nonetheless, I'm delighted to share the successful rediscovery of Telicota colon stinga, commonly known as the Pale Palm Dart, and its addition to the Singapore Butterfly observation list.

Two years ago, I successfully bred this skipper on Guinea Grass. However, it wasn't until recently, after learning how to dissect butterflies and make meaningful comparisons, that I conducted careful investigations. Seeking advice from the Malaysian butterfly expert, Dr. Laurence Kirton, confirmed that this skipper is indeed a Telicota colon stinga.

Explanation of the ID keys



Life History

Caterpillar Host Plants: Panicum maximum (Guinea Grass)

Head view of 4th instar larva:



Head view of 5th instar larva



Male genitalia view




References:
The Butterflies of The Malay Peninsula, A.S. Corbet and H.M. Pendlebury, 4th Edition, Malayan Nature Society.
The Butterflies of Hong Kong, M. J. Basscombe, G. Johnston, F. S. Bascombe.
Hong Kong Butterflies, Philip Yik & Wing-leung Hui

Further reading: Telicota colon by Don Herbison-Evans

Photo courtesy of ©Federick Ho