Atrophaneura dixoni

[trehopr1]

Here is my specimen of Atrophaneura dixoni. Collected at Malili South Sulawesi 1987.

This is a really "classy" number decked out in overall black with I believe white anal folds. Although, in my specimen you cannot see the inner folds as they were not un-folded during preparation ! Since I was not the one who prepared it I cannot say if trying to (un-fold this portion) of the wings is wise or risky to do even on a relaxed specimen; perhaps "splits" may occur in the wings if not fresh. Others, here probably know far better than me.

Anyway, in addition to the deep black coloration my specimen has a somewhat faint "greenish" hint or sheen present (a bit) at the trailing portion of the forewings as well as some more near the top of the hindwings. Just a lovely species in its own right and one I feel quite lucky to have gotten such a clean and richly colored specimen of... Its probably common (I'll be told); but getting a choice relatively un-marred one has got to be a feat in itself !

I think my photo does pretty good justice to the species.



Of coarse, if anyone else can provide us with photo's of their A. dixoni (I'd love to see em').

[Paul K]

Atrophaneura is a very classy looking genus with its velvet black wings.
I don't have A.dixoni as it doesn't occur in Thailand nor Laos, but I collected A.varuna varuna, A.varuna zaleucus and A.aidoneus.

It is quite easy to unfold anal folds when specimen is relaxed. There is no risk of damage.

I don't know how common is A.dixoni but as most of tropical not rare Papilionidae to collect fresh males is relatively easy as they come to mud puddle shortly after emerged before they start to fly around and look for females. However to find fresh female that is a different story.



I want to ad that one must be in the right season and habitat.

[trehopr1]

Paul, have you already posted your other Atrophaneura on another thread?

If not could we see them sometime as I really like butterflies of this genus !

[Paul K]

I posted the whole drawer here collector-secret.proboards.com/thread/656/southeastern-asian-butterflies?page=16
I may take some single photos later on.

[trehopr1]

Thanks Paul, I'll check em' out again... Look forward to any addition pictures.