Butterflies of
Thailand, Malaysia &
Borneo
Common Lascar
Pantoporia hordonia
Family - NYMPHALIDAE
subfamily -
LIMENITIDINAE
Tribe - NEPTINI
introduction
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habitats |
lifecycle |
adult behaviour
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Pantoporia hordonia,
Taman Negara,
West Malaysia |
Introduction
The Lascars are similar in pattern and wing shape to the
Neptis Sailors, but the stripes and
bands on the upperside wings are orange instead of white.
There are about
15-18 species in the genus Pantoporia,
of which 5 are found in West Malaysia, the remainder being found
in various other parts of the Oriental region, or on Papua New
Guinea and surrounding areas.
Pantoporia hordonia is by far the
commonest and most widespread member of the genus, being found
from India and Sri Lanka to south China, Taiwan and the
Philippines; and south through the Malay archipelago to Java and
Lombok.
Habitats
This butterfly is found in disturbed areas of primary
rainforest, including in small clearings; and along forested
riverbanks at elevations between sea level and about 300 metres.
Lifecycle
The egg is pale green and covered in a network of hexagonal
ridges from which arise numerous very short spikes. It is laid
singly on the underside of leaves of the foodplants.
The caterpillar
is pale olive green, with a large straw-coloured 'saddle' which
tapers towards the anal segment, and extends to below the
spiracles along the first 4 abdominal segments. Along the sides,
within the saddle area are 4 diagonal dark olive stripes. The
head is smooth, and olive in colour. The caterpillar feeds on
withered leaves of Acacia,
Albizia,
Abarema, Pithecellobium and
possibly other Mimosaceae.
The chrysalis
is pale brown with blackish markings, dark green wing cases, and
a group of white circular spots on the thorax. It is suspended
by the cremaster from a leaf or twig.
Adult behaviour
The adults
have a sailing flight similar to that of
Neptis, but not as graceful. They
are usually seen singly, most often along narrow trails or small
glades in heavily forested areas.
I have not observed males mud-puddling, or seen either sex
nectar at flowers, but have often seen them basking among leaf
litter in places where dappled sunlight reaches the forest
floor.
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