New locality records of aberrant moth butterfly (Liphyra brassolis Westwood, 1864) in Thailand (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)

Weeyawat Jaitrong; Jarujin Nabhitabhata; Tadsanai Jeenthong; Pornpen Kosonpanyapiwat

Authors

Weeyawat Jaitrong Thailand Natural History Museum, National Science Museum, Technopolis, Khlong5, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120, THAILAND
Jarujin Nabhitabhata Thailand Natural History Museum, National Science Museum, Technopolis, Khlong5, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120, THAILAND
Tadsanai Jeenthong Thailand Natural History Museum, National Science Museum, Technopolis, Khlong5, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120, THAILAND
Pornpen Kosonpanyapiwat Thailand Natural History Museum, National Science Museum, Technopolis, Khlong5, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120, THAILAND

Keywords:

Moth butterfly, Liphyra brassolis, green tree ant, Thailand

Abstract

The rarely-found moth butterfly is one of the largest lycaenid occurring in Thailand. Its very peculiar moth-like appearance and its life cycle of close association with the green tree ant make it an interesting study object of most entomologists and nature enthusiasts. Former and recent records in this country demonstrating its local distribution in 6 provinces, except in the Northeast. Its confinement only to open disturbed habitats where naturally live the ubiquitous green tree ants, its only host, may indicate its potential distribution throughout the country.

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