Butterflies of
Thailand, Malaysia &
Borneo
Chocolate Albatross
Appias lyncida
CRAMER, 1777
Family - PIERIDAE
subfamily - PIERINAE
Tribe -
introduction
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habitats |
lifecycle |
adult behaviour
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Appias
lyncida vasava,
Bukit Tapah,
West Malaysia |
Introduction
There is a certain amount of conjecture among entomologists
regarding the classification of Appias.
Some consider that the South American species
drusilla, and the African
sylvia and
lasti belong in this genus, while others prefer to place
them in Glutophrissa. Disregarding
those, there are about
23-28 species
that are currently accepted as members of
Appias, comprising 7-8 species from the Australian
region, and 16-20 from the Oriental region. The estimates vary
because of uncertainties about the status of some taxa which are
variously regarded as either true species or subspecies.
Appias lyncida is one of the 9
species found in peninsular Malaysia. Like most other
Appias species it is white on the
upperside, with dark markings on the outer area of the wings.
The deep yellow underside hindwings distinguish it from other
members of the genus.
Habitats
This species is common in open forested areas at elevations
between sea level and about 1000m.
Lifecycle
The
caterpillar is yellowish green, with yellow stripes along the
back and sides. It feeds on Crateva
religiosa and Capparis micracantha.
Adult behaviour
Males
congregate, sometimes in groups of 50 or more, to imbibe
mineralised moisture from damp patches of ground in full
sunlight.
They are strongly attracted to urine soaked soil, and to
mineral-rich sand on recently exposed river beaches in heavily
forested areas. If disturbed they fly up in a swirling mass, but
resettle to resume feeding at the same spot within a few
minutes. Females are normally only seen when flying in search of
egg-laying sites within the forest.
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