Wednesday 5 August 2015

80. Cupha erymanthis erymanthis (The Rustic)

Number: 80
Family: Nymphaliidae
Sub-Family: Heliconiinae
Species: Cupha erymanthis erymanthis (Drury, 1773)
Common name(s): The Rustic
Photography location: Tam Dao foothills (Vinh Phuc Prov.)

The genus Cupha comprises 9 species, C. erymanthis being the most widespread (from India to Borneo). Two subspecies are known from Vietnam viz. erymanthis and melanodotis - the latter described in 2012 from S.Vietnam (Con Son Is).
Cupha erymanthis is a common species, but its active and skittish nature make it challenging to shoot at close range. Below are my only half-decent shots so far. Hopefully, one day, I will get better shots.

Unmistakable species with “three-banded” FW: black at apical area, ochraceous brown at the basal area with, in between, a pale brownish-yellow discal band containing some dark spots

Cupha erymanthis is a common sight in my butt hunting grounds around Hanoi
and typically seen flying around shrubs and bushes at forest edges

The Rustic is a restless flyer and constantly on the move

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