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Common Nawab
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| Photo Information |
Copyright: Manyee Desandies (manyee)
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3074 W: 233 N: 5867]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (19734) |
| Genre: Animals |
| Medium: Color |
| Date Taken: 2007-07-26 |
| Categories: Insects |
| Camera: Canon Powershot S3 IS |
| Photo Version: Original Version |
| Travelogue: Penang |
| Date Submitted: 2007-10-21 23:57 |
| Viewed: 935 |
| Points: 10 |
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Thanks to Peter Roos (batu) for the help with the I.D.
My Malaysia Travelogue
Common Nawab
Polyura athamas
Description
It is a medium-sized insect with a wingspan of 50-60 mm. The sexes are similar though the female is larger and have longer tails. In both sexes, the upperside is black to dark brown with creamy central areas that are contiguous on both fore and hind wings. The two subapical spots of the forewing are a similar cream colour, as are the submarginal spots on the hind wing. There is some variation in the width of the sulphur coloured band on the underside.
Similar species
None.
Status, distribution and habitat
It occurs from sea level to 5000 feet elevation but is absent from the north of the island. It is an inhabitant of the forested areas and is not as common as it used to be. However, the widespread cultivation of Albizzia and Acacia in tea plantations and the planting of the ornamental Poinciana trees along roadsides has extended its range to non-forested areas as well. Albizzia, Acacia and Poinciana are larval host plants of the Common Nawab.
Habits
It is a strong flier and may be seen flying around tree tops searching for females, or flying into trees in search of oozing sap, in which it delights. It descends to feed on rotting fallen fruit now and again, but not habitually. However, when rotting fruits are enriched with rum or molasses, it would descend to the ground readily. If cautious, it can be approached closely. When disturbed, it quickly flies up into the trees and settles down on a leaf where it may remain for a considerable period of time. The males are avid hill toppers and may be seen flying around searching for females in such places. It is not uncommon to see it in the company of the Black Rajah.
Early stages
The larvae feed on a wide range of Leguminoseae.
This shot was taken in the Butterfly Sanctuary in Penang, Malaysia.
Source |
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Hi Manyee
Excellent close up with wonderful colors. Very nice sharp detail.
Great Job!!!
TFS
Tom
- batu
(11066)
- [2007-10-22 1:16]
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Hello Manyee,
the butteflies belong to the genus
- Polyura
It is most probably
- Polyura athamas
- Nymphalidae / Charaxinae
You show a nice scene here and a sharp specimen in the centre.
Best wishes, Peter
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- MMM
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 758 W: 0 N: 1515]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(6934) - [2007-10-22 5:42]
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Hi Manyee
Very nice presentation of butterflys I had never seen before.Good POV and sharp iamge.Colors are very interesting it seem that they are dress in a camo suit.
TFS Michel
Hi Manyee.
Exuberant butterflies!
Nice colors and very good sharpness.
Interesting POV.
Pleasant composition!
Thanks for sharing!
Friendly,
José Roberto
Hello Manyee,
There are many pictures with beautiful butterflies on TN. And there are many colourful butterflies on TN. This photo is no exception - possess both these characters. But you picture has also something more - a documental character. As I see it was taken in butterfly sanctuary. I do not know if this is an open area or something like butterfly garden, but I aslo see that there were many specimens of this species in one place. And you showed it in very nice way. The butterfly "aggregation" is not often presented and bravo for that! :)
Best withes,
Radomir
What an interesting collection of butterflies... all alike in the same position. It makes a nice pattern. I like their colors a lot. It's a nice shot.
TFS
Evelynn : )
out of smilies for today
