The Studded Sergeant (Athyma asura idita) is rare in Singapore compared to most of the other species in the genus. However it has been spotted in a number of areas from hill parks to mangrove areas, and is quite widespread in distribution. The distinctive black-centred post-discal white spots easily distinguishes this species from the other Athyma species in Singapore. The butterfly is fast on the wing but often stops to rest to sunbathe with its wings opened flat.
The caterpillar feeds on Ilex cymosa and is most colourful when it reaches its 5th instar. Its combination of green, yellow, black, red and blue give the spiny caterpillar a very attractive appearance.
Life History of the Sumatran Sunbeam
The Sumatran Sunbeam is a locally common species, usually found in the vicinity of its host plant, Derris trifoliata that is commonly found as a low creeping plant near mangrove and back-mangrove areas. A Hesperiidae, the Common Awl, also shares this host plant. The Sumatran Sunbeam is a fast-flying butterfly, usually seen perching on sunlit spots to sunbathe with wings opened to show its orange-red uppersides. The females are of a lighter orange than the males. The underside is a silvery white with lunulate striae.
The caterpillar has unique tenticular organ which is everted when the caterpillar is disturbed or stressed. The pupa is well camouflaged, looking is a little round berry, and is usually found on the underside of a leaf of the host plant.
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