The White-Tipped Baron Euthalia merta merta (Moore 1859) A female White Tipped Baron (Euthalia merta merta) puddling on damp muddy ground in search of nutrients.

Scientific Data and Other Important Notes Family : Nymphalidae SubFamily : Nymphalinae Genus : Euthalia (Linnaeus 1758) Common Name : The White-Tipped Baron Wingspan: 65-70 mm   Host Plant:  Unknown Similar species: Various Euthalia and Tanaecia species.   Status in Singapore: Very Rare Habitat : Usually found in forested areas in deep shade

Description :  The male of the White-Tipped Baron is dark brown above whilst the female is whitish with separated spots on the inner edge of the post-discal fascia on the upperside forewing in spaces 2-6.  The dark submarginal line on the hindwing are composed of spots which tend to appear as arrowheads pointing outwards.  Both sexes have a slight bluish sheen when photographed in the field, particularly on the forewings. 

Habitat & habits : This species is generally found within shaded forested areas.  Like other species in the Euthalia genus, they are fast-flyers and very alert to movement.  Most of the time when these species are photographed, they are either sunbathing early in the morning after a cool night, or feeding on some rotting material on the ground.   

Other Observations :   The male of this species is difficult to identify in the field, as it bears a close resemblance to related species like the Baron (Euthalia aconthea gurda) and the Malay Baron (Euthalia monina monina - kform-monina).

Early Stages :  Unknown
  FURTHER READING AND WEB RESOURCES

• Savela, Markku : "Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms", Systematic references of Euthalia merta merta