[Movie File] Asama White Admiral (Ladoga glorifica)

[Movie File] Asama White Admiral (Ladoga glorifica)

Asama White Admiral (Ladoga glorifica) is endemic to mainland Japan (confined to Honshu). The English name "Asama" is derived from Mt. Asama where this species was discovered for the first time. This species looks quite similar to White Admiral (Ladoga camilla) which ranges broadly from Europe to China and Japan. To distinguish these two similar species, one must study very carefully. Generally speaking, the white band on upperside is more conspicuous in this species.
(Yamanakako, Yamanashi, JAPAN Aug. 2012)

[Movie File] Japanese White-Letter Hairstreak (Fixsenia mera)

[Movie File] Japanese White-Letter Hairstreak (Fixsenia mera)

Japanese White-Letter Hairstreak (Fixsenia mera)　is tiny and unremarkable butterfly often seen at mountain plateau and forest. The size and wing shape are easy to be confused with Zephyrus Hairstreaks. This species is endemic to Japan. It ranges fairly broadly from northern to southern Japan, however it is usually uncommon in everywhere. In western and southern part of Japan, it is definitely rare. In some localities, the conspicuous form which lacks white line on underside is known. These variation seems attractive to Lycaenidae enthusiasts, so some people are fond of collecting this species from various places.      
   This video was filmed in the highlands located at the foot of Mt. Fuji, the highest peak in Japan.
(Fujinomiya-shi, Shizuoka, Japan, Aug. 2012)

[Movie File] Defending behavior of A nymphalid pupa

[Movie File] Defending behavior of A nymphalid pupa

   Nymphalid pupae sometimes defend themselves against parasitic wasps by heavy rotary movements. This behavior has already been reported in papers but this time we introduce it in video file. Video is much more eloquent than text information. The author of this blog shows his deepest gratitude to Akino-taiin (Okinawa) for providing this interesting video.
(Okinawajima, Okinawa, JAPAN May 2012)

[Movie File] Great Purple Emperor (Sasakia charonda)

[Movie File] Great Purple Emperor (Sasakia charonda)　

   Great Purple Emperor (Sasakia charonda) is famous among Japanese as the national butterfly of Japan. It was selected in 1957 by the Entomological Society of Japan. In Japan, this species widely ranges from northern part (Hokkaido) through southern part (Kyushu). It appears once in a year from June. Males appear about a week earlier than females. This butterfly extremely likes to sip tree sap. Sometimes numerous butterflies are gathering at tree sap. Flight is swift and strong, this butterfly is surely a "king of summer forest". (Nirasaki-shi, Yamanashi, JAPAN July 2012)

         Male of  Great Purple Emperor (Sasakia charonda)