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Elbowed Pierrot butterfly puddling on a crab

on 21st August 2015

On 23rd July 2015, Melinda Chan sent in an image taken by Chan Yoke Meng (below) at the MacRitchie Reservoir.

They came across of group of small (25-30 mm) forest butterflies, the Elbowed Pierrot (Caleta elna elvira), by a stream at the MacRitchie Reservoir forest. These butterflies were seen puddling on the damp path – see HERE and HERE.

When reviewing the photographs later, they became aware of a butterfly puddling on a small crab (unsure whether dead or alive).

We seek the expertise of Prof Peter Ng, Director of the Lee Kong Chian Naturel History Museum, NUS and a local expert on crabs to put a name to the crab. Unfortunately it is not possible to ascertain the species as the face the crab is not visible in the image. However, Prof Ng is of the opinion that it could most likely be Irmengardia johnsoni, Family Gecarcinucidae, known to be from that location.

Melinda Chan, Chan Yoke Meng & Prof Peter Ng
Singapore
August 2015

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.

Other posts by YC Wee

One Response

  1. Prof Peter Ng sent this note: “Actually if the crab us freshly dead – what the butterfly is sucking up are the decaying juices which are rich in salts etc which these butterflies like!”

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