Common Red Flash @ DFNP

I finally got some good shots of the common red flash

today at DFNP. In fact, we had spent the whole afternoon

searching for butterflies out in the hot sun. It was only

when we were about to leave, I met Uncle Loke there.

... ... And that was when the red flash came down to play.

It was about 5pm, so he was also sunbathing. The

upperside of the male is a bright orange-red with a thick

black/brown border on the forewing. There is also

quite a lot of brown dusting on the basal area of the wings.

Red flashes fly at tremendous speeds, zooming around

in wide circles and finally landing on the same perch.

Males are also observed to "dogfight", in which two or

more males will chase each other. What a pity this one did

not open his wings fully.

The underside is a plain buff-grey with a dark post-

discal line edged with white that runs through both the

wings. It has a false head at the tip of the hindwing, with

an eyespot and some metallic blue scales below the eyespot.

The tails are also very flimsy, and wave around wildly

even in the slightest breeze. Uncle Loke and I had quite a

good time shooting this guy.

Here is Uncle Loke hard at work trying to get a decent

shot. It is easy to see him... ... but where is subject? you can

click on the image to enlarge it and try find the butterfly.

Well, I had a great day and I hope I will see him again,

real soon. :)

A Field Guide To The Butterflies of Singapore

The 10.10.10 was a very special day. Not only
was it the international day for "stop global warming",
but is was also ... ... the book launch of A Field Guide
To The Butterflies of Singapore!!!!! This totally
awesome book written by Uncle Khew features almost
all the butterflies in Singapore.

This is a major milestone for ButterflyCircle and
I am really glad this book came out. It has detailed
write ups that describe the habits, habitats and
appearance of each butterfly. It also has wonderful
images, and even stuff like the speed-o-meter, host
plants (or caterpillar food), wingspan and status.

Oh, and I got a free copy at the launch because I am
a contributor! Whoo! You can see my name on the
special thanks an credits page near the back of the book.
I am very proud of Uncle Khew for writing this amazing book.


Well, I am not going to show you the whole book!
Get yer copies now. :)