 This
species is a new taxon to Singapore. Discovered early in October
2001, the species has since spread to many other parts of Singapore.
Photographs of male and female specimens were sent to Col JN Eliot in London
for verification, and it was confirmed that this species was indeed Zizeeria
maha serica of which the type specimen originated from Hong Kong.
Like the Cabbage White (Pieris canidia malayana), this species was
probably introduced by human agency to Singapore. As it is an urban
butterfly, preferring to fly in cultivated areas, the main threats to the
existence of this species would be the spraying of pesticides and the clearance
of weeds and grasslands in its preferred habitat.
The upperside of the male is
light blue with broad dark blue borders, whilst the female is a dark greyish
blue. The dark marginal spots on the hindwings above sets this species
apart from the two similar small species, the Lesser Grass Blue (Zizina
otis lampa) and the Pygmy Grass Blue (Zizula hylax pygmea).
The more pronounced spots on the underside of this species, particularly
the submarginal spots along both the wings also distinguishes it from the
other species.
The butterfly has a weak fluttering
flight and can usually be found on sunny days at flowering weeds along
drainage reserves and grasslands. The caterpillar of species has
been bred on Yellow Sorrell. |
Next Species