Random Gallery - Yellow Flash

Random Butterfly Gallery
The Yellow Flash (Rapala domitia domitia)

The genus Rapala comprises of several small, stout-bodied and powerful flyers. These big-eyed species can zip around at tremendous speeds, earning them their English common name of "Flash". Of the many "Flashes" found in Singapore, the Yellow Flash (Rapala domitia domitia) stands out in that the undersides of the butterfly are a distinctive bright yellow with jet-black markings. The largest member of the genus in Singapore, the Yellow Flash is considered rare but can be observed with regularity at certain locations within the nature reserves.

This Yellow Flash was shot a couple of weeks ago by ButterflyCircle member Nelson Ong, who has been patiently tracking this species for a long time.  Having spotted the species many times, this was a satisfying success for Nelson, who finally managed to nail a well-composed shot of this skittish Lycaenid after a long period of hunting this elusive beauty.

Butterflies Galore! : Yellow Flash

Butterflies Galore!
The Yellow Flash (Rapala domitia domitia)

The Yellow Flash (Rapala domitia domitia) is one of the rarer species in the genus Rapala of which there are currently seven reliably identified species in Singapore. Though rare, the Yellow Flash appears to be regularly observed in the forested areas of Singapore, and is widespread in distribution. It is skittish and a fast flyer and quite averse to the camera's flash at times.

The underside of the butterfly is a bright lemon yellow and largely unmarked except for a few black bars on the forewings and black marginal areas with blue iridescent scales on the hindwing. The upperside of both sexes is a dull brown. This pristine Yellow Flash was shot last weekend by young ButterflyCircle member Jonathan Soong.

Random Gallery - Yellow Flash

Random Butterfly Gallery
The Yellow Flash (Rapala domitia domitia)

The Yellow Flash often lives up to its name whenever it is encountered in the field. It is a zippy little butterfly that flashes very quickly away and is gone in the blink of an eye if it chooses to be uncooperative. As with many other species, the odds of getting a better shot of it will improve when it is distracted whilst feeding. It is the most elusive of all the Flashes (Rapala) species currently known in Singapore.

This skittish individual was shot by ButterflyCircle member Sunny Chir after it was feeding happily on the flowers of a blooming Syzygium tree in the nature reserves. The distinctive yellow undersides and jet black markings on the forewings make this the most easily identifiable Rapala amongst the many lookalikes in the genus.

Butterfly Portraits - Yellow Flash

Butterfly Portraits
The Yellow Flash (Rapala domitia domitia)



Nikon D700 ; Nikkor 105mm micro with TC III 2.0x, Manual Mode, 1/90s, f/6.3, ISO 800, No Flash, Handheld 



It was around this time last year that I crossed path with this fast and elusive Lycaenidae - The Yellow Flash. I had encountered this ‘special’ one on a few occasions during that time but couldn’t get a good enough close up shot. This had prompted me to return to the same place every weekend.

It was during one of those weekends that I chanced upon a good opportunity. While I was nearing its usual hangout, I scanned the area attentively and out of the low green foliage I noticed a tiny yellow ‘speck’. This is the familiar yellow ‘speck’ that I have been tracking down during the past weeks. I stopped momentarily, double checked my camera’s setting and proceeded to tread slowly towards it.

From my prior encounters with Yellow Flash, I knew that it was averse to flash and I needed to approach it in ‘stealth’ mode so as not to spook it off. As the subject was perched amongst very low leaves, I needed to be in prone position way before the safety distance. And soon enough I was down on the ground crawling my way towards it like a caterpillar.

As I wobbled myself towards the subject, I took some shots along the way. Surprisingly, this yellow character seemed to be oblivious to my presence as it stood there, perched proudly on the leaf.  Soon, I was near enough to have 3/4 of my viewfinder filled up by the subject. More shots were fired away to capture this special and rare species.

Since picking up butterfly photography 2 years ago, I have made many new friends. And through them I have learnt a lot about butterfly behavioural habits and patterns to really appreciate these marvels of nature. ButterflyCircle members' willingness to share and guide has greatly enhanced the learning experience, from the technical details of photography to the behavioural aspects of these wonderful Flying Jewels. Butterfly photography is all about perseverance, observance and patience and literally to “put your chest on the ground” to get that shot.

ButterflyCircle Photographer : Nelson Ong in his early 40's, working in the finance industry