Wednesday 12 August 2015

96. Megisba malaya sikkima (The Malayan)

Number: 96
Family: Lycaeniidae
Sub-Family: Polyommatiinae
Species: Megisba malaya sikkima Moore, 1884
Common name(s): The Malayan
Photography location: Cuc Phuong N.P. (Ninh Binh Prov.)

The rwo species of the genus Megisba are found in the Australasian ecozone (Megisba strongyle) and the Indo-Malayan/Sino-Japanese ecozones (Megisba malaya). 
Megisba malaya ranges from India to New Guinea, and north to China, Japan. This is a common species frequently encountered in forest glades and forest edges.

A very distinctive species. Note the strongly marked black spots on costa

My camera bag was a fine bait. This specimen poses patiently while sucking sweat

Males are often encountered drinking from wet sand near water courses. Females could be found in nearby clearings or along paths through the forest

Female Megisba malaya sikkima

Above, both sexes are dark brown with a white discal patch which is more prominent in the female

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