Native Animals

Anthene emolus

Ciliate Blue
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SSN 58312
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Taxonomy

The taxonomic status is pending for approval

Gallery  

Description

Anthene emolus goberus or commonly known as Ciliate Blue, is a tiny, inconspicuous and fascinating species. The life history of the species is rather unique, with the caterpillar being dependent on the Weaver Ant or Kerangga (Oecophylla smaragdina) for survival. The males’ wings of this species, on the upper surface of the wings, are a lustrous deep purple or indigo blue colour whilst the females’ wings of this species are usually a dull earthy brown colour. The wingspan is about 23 to 29 mm.

This tiny butterfly breeds in disturbed primary and secondary forest habitats at altitudes between sea level and about 800 meters. It is normally found along roadsides and riverbanks, and is often found close to habitations.

Males are mostly seen when aggregating with other Lycaenidae to soak up mineralised moisture from river sandbanks, damp roads, boulder and other sources of sodium. When feeding they will often hold their wings erect, but in cloudy or cool weather they will bask on foliage with their wings held half open. Females are less conspicuous but in some cases, they can be found nectaring at Lantana or other flowering bushes.

This small butterfly is attracted to human sweat. It can be seen perching on host plants such as Senna fistula or golden showers tree and commonly found in most areas of Royal Belum-Temengor Rainforest. This species is widely distributed in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Sumatra, Borneo and Hainan.

Location

by State Location
  • Perak 1
Based on publications, specimens, and images

Specimen

Collection Center   Total
8

Biodiversity Experts

Profile
Aishah Hani Azil (Dr.)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
  • Insects
  • Mosquitoes
  • Biodiversity
  • Medical
  • Science
Azidah Abdul Aziz (Dr.)
University of Malaya (UM)
  • Insects (Taxonomy)
  • Biodiversity
  • PM
Fatimah Abang (Prof. Dr.)
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
  • Insects
  • Butterflies and Moths
  • Biodiversity
  • Marine & Coastal
  • SBH
  • SWK
Heo Chong Chin (Dr.)
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
  • Insects
  • Biodiversity
  • Ecosystems
  • Medical
  • Science
  • PM
  • SBH
  • SWK
Khaironizam Md Zain (Dr.)
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
  • Fishes
  • Insects
  • Biodiversity
  • Conservation
  • Ecosystems
  • Science
  • PM
Liew Thor Seng (Dr.)
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)
  • Insects
  • Molluscs
  • Biodiversity
  • Data Analysis
  • Conservation
  • Ecosystems
  • Evolution
  • Genetics
  • PM
  • SBH
  • SWK
  • SEA
Nivaarani Arumugam (Ms.)
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK)
  • Insects
  • Biodiversity
  • Conservation
  • Ecosystems
  • Forest
  • PM
  • SBH
Noor Azrizal Bin Abdul Wahid (Dr.)
University of Malaya (UM)
  • Insects
  • Molecular
  • Systematics
  • Evolution
  • Parasitology
  • Entomology
  • PM
Raja Muhammad Zuha (Dr.)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
  • Insects
  • Biodiversity
  • Education
  • Taxonomy
  • Science
  • Law and Policy
  • PM
Rosli Hashim (Prof. Dr.)
University of Malaya (UM)
  • Birds (Ecology)
  • Mammals (Ecology)
  • Spiders
  • Insects
  • Biodiversity
  • Protected Areas
  • PM
  • W
Suhaila Abd Hamid (Assoc. Prof. Dr.)
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
  • Insects
  • Insects (Taxonomy)
  • Insects (Ecology)
  • Biodiversity
  • Conservation
  • Ecosystems
  • Water
  • PM
Sze Huei Yek (Dr.)
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)
  • Ants
  • Insects
  • Mosquitoes
  • Biodiversity
  • Ecology
  • Entomology
  • Evolution
  • PM
  • SBH
  • SWK
  • SEA
Tan Li Peng (Dr.)
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK)
  • Arachnids
  • Insects
  • Agriculture
  • Biodiversity
  • Forest
  • PM
PM - Peninsular Malaysia; SBH - Sabah; SWK - Sarawak; SEA - Southeast Asia; W - World;

References

Article
  1. Chey, V.K. & Lim-Hasegawa, D. (2008). Insect fauna of Lake Linumunsut. Sepilok Bulletin 8, 23-48. http://www.forest.sabah.gov.my/docs/frc/Sepilok%20Bulletin%20Vol.%208.pdf
  2. Chung, A.Y.C., Tangah, J. & Japir, R. (2018). Insect diversity as a tool to monitor the status of a rehabilitated mangrove site in Sabah. Sepilok Bulletin. 27, 30-50 . http://www.forest.sabah.gov.my/docs/frc/Sepilok%20Bulletin%20Vol.%2027.pdf
  3. Zarim, N.A.S.A. & Ahmad, A. (2014). Checklist of Butterfly Fauna at Kuala Lompat, Krau Wildlife Reserve, Pahang, Malaysia. Journal of Wildlife and Parks 28, 63-72
Online
  1. Malaysia Butterfly Checklist. Nature Society (Singapore). Retrieved February 18, 2021, from http://www.nss.org.sg/butterflies_list/check_list.php?cl_mst.id=1&ac=v

Acknowledgements :- Ms. Aida Salihah Binti Abu Bakar, Mr. Badrul Amin Bin Jaffar, Ms. Norazah Binti Norddin, Ms. Nurfadzilah Bt Azmi, Ms. Siti Zubaidah Binti Abdul Latif, Mr. Tan Kok Kiat, Ms. Wan Nurul ‘ain Binti Wan Mohd Nor & Mr. Yasser Mohamed Arifin

Photo credit :- USM

Species Citation :- Anthene emolus. Malaysia Biodiversity Information System (MyBIS). Accessed via https://www.mybis.gov.my/sp/58312. [Retrieved 01 October 2023].

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