Butterflies of
Thailand, Malaysia &
Borneo
Red-spot Sawtooth
Prioneris philonome
BOISDUVAL, 1836
Family - PIERIDAE
subfamily - PIERINAE
Tribe -
introduction
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habitats |
lifecycle |
adult behaviour
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Prioneris philonome themana,
Gopeng,
West Malaysia |
Introduction
There are 6 species in the genus Prioneris,
all endemic to the Oriental region. They bear a strong
superficial resemblance to the Delias
Jezebels. Both genera are unpalatable to birds, so it seems
likely that they form a Mullerian mimicry group.
Prioneris philonome is found in
peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, Borneo and Java.
Habitats
In Malaysia this species is found in disturbed forest edge
habitats including riverbanks, roadsides, plantations and in the
vicinity of villages at elevations between sea level and about
400 metres.
Lifecycle
I have no data
regarding the early stages of philonome,
but in the closely related sita the
larva is described as being a dull blue-green colour, with the
head and body segments dotted with minute blue tubercules. Most
Prioneris species are believed to
feed on Capparis ( Capparidaceae ).
The pupa of
sita is described as bright green
in colour, with an interrupted yellow dorsal line and a short
curved crimson line below the thoracic segments. It is sharply
pointed at the head, and has a thoracic keel. The pupa of
philonome is probably similar in
shape and general colour.
Adult behaviour
Males of
philonome are usually seen in one's
and two's imbibing mineralised moisture from damp sand or
gravel, often in the company of Appias
lyncida, Eurema hecabe and
other yellow Pieridae. The similar Delias
species on the other hand do not normally visit damp ground,
instead preferring to get their sustenance from nectar.
Prioneris, unlike
Delias, are robust and powerful flyers, but nervous in
nature. If disturbed they have a habit of instantly dashing off,
only to resettle a few feet away, and if followed they then go
back to their original feeding place. This game of cat and mouse
can go on for a long time, so when attempting to photograph this
gorgeous species, sore knees and elbows are inevitable, and a
lot of patience is required !
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