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Post by beetlehorn on Dec 29, 2018 6:07:18 GMT -8
A few years ago I acquired a few Lepidoptera specimens from an estate sale. The ones pictured here came with no data. I think they are some kind of Apatura. They are about the same size as Doxocopa or Asterocampa species. I have no idea where they are from, but suspect somewhere in South East Asia, (just a guess). If someone can help in identifying it, I would appreciate it greatly. They are not in A1 condition, but good enough to make a positive ID.  |
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Post by miguel on Dec 29, 2018 7:40:39 GMT -8
For me they are Apatura for sure but they are not like the european Apaturas(unless they are an aberration),as you say They are probably from South East Asia.
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Post by Paul K on Dec 29, 2018 11:13:41 GMT -8
I suppose it is Rohana parvata.
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Post by beetlehorn on Dec 29, 2018 11:24:04 GMT -8
The species Apatura iris, ilia, metis, bieti, ambica, as well as many Doxocopa species such as D. pavon or agathina all have a purple/blue iridescent sheen in the males. These do not have that characteristic. There are other Apatura species that also lack the purple sheen such as A. laverna or A. ulipi. Every butterfly book I own has many of the species we are familiar with, escept this one. In regards to wing shape they are highly suggestive of the group Apaturinae. Here are a few specimens of A. iris, just for those who see this post and can get an idea of the characteristics I mentioned.  |
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Post by Paul K on Dec 29, 2018 12:08:46 GMT -8
There are many species of subfamily Apaturinae that lack the blue sheen, Rohana is one of them.
Your specimen is Rohana parvata-male.
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Post by beetlehorn on Dec 29, 2018 14:54:04 GMT -8
Thank you Paul. Do you know where it is found, and what kind of habitat it occurs in?
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Post by Paul K on Dec 29, 2018 15:41:15 GMT -8
Thank you Paul. Do you know where it is found, and what kind of habitat it occurs in? I think is is subspecies burmana. I have not found it yet in Thailand, it is rather rare in north but I suppose it is more common in Myanmar (Burma). The nominate subspecies is in India but it looks more dark with narrower white stripe. |
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Post by beetlehorn on Dec 29, 2018 18:36:28 GMT -8
Yes I must agree. The specimens I have must be quite old. After going through my papered material, I found yet another specimen in an old yellowed triangle envelope. The best I can make out is "Apatura parvata, Burma 1969". At some time in the past 40 odd years the genus name must have been re-classified to Rohana. This kind of stuff is so interesting to me. Some of my favorite specimens are very old. Thanks for your help Paul, I really learned something today thanks to you.
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Post by beetlehorn on Dec 29, 2018 20:55:46 GMT -8
Since I now have an idea of the taxonomy of this species, I found some interesting material regarding it. Here is a link to the species (Rohana parvata burmana). yutaka.it-n.jp/apa/750040010.html |
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Post by Paul K on Dec 29, 2018 21:11:46 GMT -8
Since I now have an idea of the taxonomy of this species, I found some interesting material regarding it. Here is a link to the species (Rohana parvata burmana). yutaka.it-n.jp/apa/750040010.html Yutaka Inayoshi is a great entomologist , he described many new species in Indochina, he’s website is a huge work and he is constantly updating it with new info and material available. We spent many hours together looking for butterflies and always share newest encounters and important discoveries. He is a great friend. Paul |
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Post by beetlehorn on Dec 30, 2018 7:35:04 GMT -8
I see there are several more species of the Rohana genus.I will keep an eye-out for more members of this group. They are not as glamorous or spectacular as Hypolimnas or Euthalia, but for me they are just as interesting. Butterflies from certain regions have their own kind of charm. How coincidental (and interesting) it is that I find a paper on this butterfly, and it turns out that you (Paul) are friends with the author?!
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Post by Adam Cotton on Dec 30, 2018 10:15:18 GMT -8
Yutaka Inayoshi has been my friend since 1983, and after the Japanese Tsunami moved to live in Chiang Mai, which is how Paul got to know him. He's a great lepidopterist and expert on Indochinese butterflies.
Adam.
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Post by Paul K on Dec 30, 2018 10:53:59 GMT -8
I only found so far one species which is by far the commonest in Thailand. Rohana parisatis pseudosiamensisAs few other species in this genus the female and male are totally different. Top:female, South Thailand, Ko Samui Bottom: male, North Thailand, Lampang Prov. ( near Chiang Mai ).  |
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Post by beetlehorn on Dec 30, 2018 14:08:08 GMT -8
Very nice specimens, and well mounted. What a perfect example of sexual dimorphism. The male is totally black, a rare occurrence in nature. These kinds of butterflies are rarely available to collectors.
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