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Post by exoticinsects on Sept 13, 2017 22:57:33 GMT -8
Hi everyone, I would like to have some clarification on the differences between ssp ambelauensis (Ambelau isl.) and ampelius (Buru)/ulysses (Seram). Some specimens from Ambelau island seem to have a more dark metalic shine to them compaired to ulysses from Seram but I'm curious if there are any differences in paterns as well. Attached is a picture of the wings of a broken ambelauensis specimen. As you can see, it is very similar to specimens from Seram/Ambon. Adam, I'm hoping you might know but I lost your email address else I would have contacted you directly. Thanks, Benny  |
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Post by Adam Cotton on Sept 14, 2017 3:37:09 GMT -8
I don't think this specimen came from Ambelau, it doesn't look like ambelauensis which is actually very close to ampelius from Buru. In ambelauensis the blue hindwing patch is much larger, closer to the hindwing margin than the specimen you pictured. Probably specimens from Ceram were mixed in the lot you received.
Adam.
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Post by exoticinsects on Sept 14, 2017 4:30:28 GMT -8
That's exaclty what I thought.
It should look similar to ampelius.
Thanks a lot for the description you sent by email, I'll check the other specimens I have as well.
B
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Post by exoticimports on Sept 14, 2017 4:44:06 GMT -8
I don't think this specimen came from Ambelau, it doesn't look like ambelauensis which is actually very close to ampelius from Buru. In ambelauensis the blue hindwing patch is much larger, closer to the hindwing margin than the specimen you pictured. Probably specimens from Ceram were mixed in the lot you received. Adam. Off topic, but I suspect that you didn't have to look this up, it was off the top of your head, right? I wish I had memory like that! Chuck |
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Post by Adam Cotton on Sept 14, 2017 7:00:40 GMT -8
Chuck, Well, I saw the photo and thought it didn't look right, but I went and checked the specimens in my collection first to make sure. I don't like to post without checking unless it's something absolutely obvious. I'm getting old myself, and don't always remember everything either. My avatar photo is flattering, as it was taken quite a few years ago now.  Adam. |
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Post by Adam Cotton on Sept 17, 2017 13:04:30 GMT -8
I thought it might be useful to post a photo of males of ampelius (Buru), ambelauensis (Ambelau) and ulysses (Ceram) to show the main differences, which I marked in red on the Ceram specimen:  Firstly the angle of costa and forewing cell normally has a distinctly smaller triangular wedge at the tip of the cell due to the broader black costa in the cell and there is no extension of the blue scales on the hindwing along the vein near the anal angle as marked. The hindwing blue patch in ampelius and ambelauensis is slightly larger than in ulysses, but that is not actually so obvious. Note there is some variation, and some specimens are not absolutely typical. I suspect that ampelius and ambelauensis are probably not worth separating, certainly judging by the males. The original description also describes differences in the female which I do not have in my collection so I am keeping them separate here, although Buru and Ambelau are very close to each other. Adam. |
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