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Taxila haquinus haquinus (Fabricius, 1793)
| Family Name: | Lycaenidae |
| Taxonomic Group: | Invertebrates (Butterfly and Moth) |
| Common Name: | Harlequin |
Name
Description
| Description | Males are brownish-black above and unmarked. On the forewing, there is a pale reddish-brown sub-apical patch. Females are marked like the female of the Lesser Harlequin but without any dark-dusted veins on teh whitish sub-apical patch on the forewing. Underside of males and females are reddish-brown, with pale blue-edged black spots on both wings. |
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Ecology, Habitat & Location
| Ecological Notes | The species is a forest butterfly and has thus far been observed only on Pulau Tekong in Singapore. |
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| Habitats | Forest |
| Distribution | Assam to South-east Asia. |
| Nature Areas | Pulau Tekong |
Conservation
| Trends & Threats | Loss of habitat and host plants. |
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| Scientific Interest & Potential Value | Part of Singapore indigenous biological heritage and of general educational value and interest to the public and enthusiasts. |
| Conservation Notes | The preservation of its preferred habitats on Pulau Tekong, and the possibility of its translocation to Singapore island or Pulau Ubin could be considered. More information on its hitherto unknown host plant would be critical to this species’ continued survival in Singapore. |
Status
| Conservation Status | Moderately Rare |
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| Singapore Red Data Book Status | Endangered (EN) [2008] |
Photos
References
| References | Davison, G.W.H., Ng, P.K.L. & Ho, H.C (Eds.). 2008. The Singapore Red Data Book (2nd Edition). Singapore: Nature Society (Singapore). 285pp Khew, S.K. 2010. A field guide to the butterflies of Singapore. Singapore: Ink On Paper Communications Pte Ltd. 342pp |
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