The Common Palm Dart (Telicota colon stinga)
The genus Telicota comprises of several lookalike species that can be difficult to separate in the field. These Palm Darts are swift on the wing and skittish. Their general appearance is black to brown, with orange bands and spots on the fore and hindwings. The caterpillars of the Common Palm Dart has been bred on Guinea Grass (Panicum maximum) and Coconut (Cocos nucifera).
The Plain Palm Dart is often found in urban parks and gardens and is relatively common. This male was shot feeding on the flower of Bidens pilosa at the Tampines Eco Green park. This urban park has an area that has been planted with butterfly host and nectaring plants and is a good place for a beginner to try his hand at butterfly photography.
