Bigg's Brownie (Miletus biggsii biggsii)
The Bigg's Brownie is a relatively common species in Singapore. It is most often seen fluttering restlessly in well-shaded areas at the fringes of the nature reserves as well as in various urban parks. The species is associated with mealy bugs, aphids and coccids, on which their caterpillars feed. The adult butterflies are observed flying around ant-infested young shoots of various plants. The ants "farm" the mealy bugs for their sugary discharge, and do not seem to attack the intruding butterflies.
The species is light brown on the upperside, with an oblique white band on the forewings, which can vary across different individuals. The underside is light greyish brown with dark markings outlined in white. This individual was shot by ButterflyCircle member Koh Cher Hern recently.
