The Noblemen

The Malay Viscount, Tanaecia pelea pelea. This is a common forest butterfly, often settling on leaves with wings flat or descending to the forest floor to feed on fallen fruit.


Lexias dirtea merguia, male.


Lexias dirtea merguia, female.


The Archduke, Lexias pardalis dirteana, a male on the forest floor. The only discernible difference between this species and L. dirtea is that the apical topside of the Archduke is orange while that of L. dirtea is black. Both are extremely robust fliers and when disturbed often fly away very rapidly. They are fond of rotting fruit and are frequently found on the ground feeding. The two sexes of both species look very different from each other and may be mistaken for two different species. Common as they are, these butterflies are striking and beautiful, especially the males with their shimmering blues and greens.