| Actual Image
Abisara echerius (16)
accassidy
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 103 W: 79 N: 295]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (1062) | Abisara echerius Stoll, 1790, known in India as the Plum Judy, is a small but striking butterfly found in Asia belonging to the Riodinid group of the family Lycaenidae.
This species is quite widespread in the orient, ranging from the Himalayas in the North West to China, the Philippines and Sulawesi in the South East. It also occur in Burma, Thailand, Malaysia and Indo-China. Many 'races' are named, but the validity of these is uncertain. The species group is in need of some scientific study and revision.
This active butterfly is usually seen at the tops of trees and amidst foliage. It has a habit of landing and turning around almost immediately after alighting. It repeats this turning movements as it moves along branches. This is believed to help in evading predators by causing confusion about head orientation. This distinctive mode of movement gives the impression of 'dancing' and is an important field characteristic that helps in identifying the species from even a distance. The butterfly is quite variable in overall appearance between wet and dry seasons. Wing expanse: 41-52mm.
The eggs of the butterfly are laid on host plants belonging to the family Myrsinaceae, including Ardisia spp., Maesa indica and Embelia laeta. The larva is flat, very broad in the middle, tapering to both ends, clothed sparsely with short hairs ; head small, not enclosed in the 2nd segment; colour light green. The pupa is also clothed with hairs, and altogether so like the larva that it is difficult to note exactly when the change takes place. It is closely attached to a leaf by the tail and a girdle.
This picture was hand-held in sunshine. It has been cropped, resized and sharpened for TN. |
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