LEOPARD LINGERING ON LOTUS

YC Wee
on 8th November 2014

The Leopard (Phalanta phalantha phalantha, family Nymphalidae, subfamily Heliconiinae) is a relatively common butterfly species in Singapore and may be found in secondary growth within urban parks and gardens (Khew, 2010). It is known to be restless and skittish, constantly on the move.

On the morning of 20th September 2014, I was able to observe an individual of this species in the middle of a lotus pond (top, above). It had landed upon the mature seed pod of the lotus and seemed particularly keen to linger a little longer. With its proboscis fully extended, it was busily licking the surface for a few minutes. What could the butterfly possibly be obtaining from this prolonged visit? Perhaps the lotus seed pod may contain certain minerals which the plant has been able to extract from the muddy substratum underwater.

A video clip of this butterfly licking away at the lotus seed pod may be previewed below.”

Dr. Leong Tzi Ming
Singapore
20th October 2014

Reference:
Khew, S. K., 2010. A Field Guide to the Butterflies of Singapore. Ink on Paper Communications Pte Ltd, Singapore. xxv + 342 pp.

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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Any views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

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