Early stage of Ideopsis vulgaris macrina (Blue Glassy Tiger)

Early stage of Parantica agleoides agleoides (Dark Glassy Tiger)

Early stage of Elymnias panthera panthera (Tawny Palmfly)

Early stage of Elymnias hypermnestra agina (Common Palmfly)

Early stage of Doleschallia bisaltide ?bisaltide (Autumn Leaf)

Early stage of Doleschallia bisaltide pratipa (Autumn Leaf)

Early stage of Bibasis sena uniformis (Orange-Tail Awl)

Early stage of Ypthima huebneri (Common Four Ring)

Early stage of Troides helena cerberus (Common Birdwing)

Early stage of Telicota besta bina (Besta Palm Dart)

Early stage of Taxila haquinus haquinus (Harlequin)

Early stage of Curetis saronis sumatrana (Sumatran Sunbeam)

Early stage of Tajuria mantra mantra (Felder's Royal)

Early stage of Horaga syrinx maenala (Ambon Onyx)

Early stage of Plastingia naga (Chequered Lancer)

Early stage of Phalanta phalantha phalantha (Leopard)

Early stage of Iraota rochana boswelliana (Scarce Silverstreak)

Early stage of Hypolimnas bolina bolina (Great Eggfly)

Early stage of Hasora badra badra (Common Awl)

Early stage of Flos anniella anniella

Early stage of Eurema hecabe contubernalis (Common Grass Yellow)

Early stage of Eurema brigitta senna (No brand Grass Yellow)

Early stage of Mycalesis perseoides

Acknowledgement: 

ID corrected as pointed out by Dr. Seow TL, previously recorded as M. mineus.

Early stage of Abisara saturata kausamboides (Malayan Plum Judy)

Early stage of Black Rose (Pachliopta aristolochiae antiphus)

The Black rose -- this subspecies (Pachliopta aristolochiae antiphus) was not recorded by the earlier author or researchers in Peninsular Malaysia & Singapore.

According to the record, in Singapore, it was first sighted some time back in 1995 by Steven Neo, who captured a specimen at Venus Drive. It was an all-black specimen, without the white hindwing markings. The red spots and abdomen were quite typical of the Common Rose ssp asteris but smaller or fewer with a slightly different shape.

Starting from year 2004, this species become a more commonly found "Common" Rose species in Singapore and more sighting has been reported since then.

Simon Chan from NSS Butterfly Interest Group first highlighted in the Nature news in Mar 2007 that, the Black Rose could be the Bornean subspecies antiphus and not the usual asteris.

While I'm not too sure who make the final decision that it's indeed the subspecies antiphus, I did manage to take the opportunity to collect an egg of this Black Rose & breed it to adulthood.

Host plant:
Family: Aristolochiaceae
Species: Aristolochia tagala

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