The Lesser Harlequin (Laxita thuisto thuisto)
This shade-loving denizen is mainly found in the forested nature reserves of Singapore. It is considered rare and there are times when the species is not seen for long periods of time. Like the other species in the family Riodinidae, the Lesser Harlequin is often encountered flitting from leaf to leaf and twisting and turning with half opened wings. The underside is orange-brown with blue edged black spots. Males are all-black above, whilst the females have similar patterns as the underside.
Last weekend, BC members stumbled on a colony of the Lesser Harlequins where a few individuals, both males and females, were observed at a forest trail in the nature reserves. This shot of a male Lesser Harlequin was taken by ButterflyCircle member Sunny Chir.
