Hi everyone, Sorry I'm a bit late but here my best butterflies from 2011. Both the species attached herewith were clicked in Ladakh in the month of August last year:
1. Species: *Large Tortoiseshell* *(Nymphalis polychloros) * Date: 16 - Aug -2011 Place: Alchi, Ladakh Notes: I had gone for a walk behind the famous Alchi monastery to take a look at the valley when I noticed a flash of orange on the floor below an apricot tree. I found this beauty sipping on some fallen apricots. This butterflies is known to prefer forest clearings and is often encountered basking with open wings on forest paths. 1. Species: *High Brown Fritillary* *(Argynnis adippe)* Date: 25 - Aug -2011 Place: En route Khardung La pass, Ladakh Notes: While driving up to Khardung La pass from Leh I saw a butterfly dashing to a bunch of yellow wild flowers along the road. I jumped out the car and managed one snap of it before this powerful flier swiftly flew off down the valley. I have been confused of the identification and the only reason I have labelled it as a High Brown as opposed to a Deep Green is because it's 3rd dot from the apex of the forewing is not in line with the other dots as with the Dark Green Fritillary, it's a bit toward the body in this Fritillary. *I hope my IDs are correct. I request the experts on this group to confirm it.* Here is a list of References that were used to understand these butterflies better so as to confirm their IDs: - Kehimkar, Isaac. (2008). The book of Indian Butterflies. Mumbai.: Bombay Natural History Society. - Roberts, T J. (2001) The Butterflies of Pakistan. Karachi: Oxford University Press. - Singh, Arun P. (2011). Butterflies of India. Noida.: Om Books International. - Eeles, Peter. (2002-2012). Similar Species. Retrieved January 20, 2012, from http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species.php?vernacular_name=High%20Brown%20Fritillary Thanks! Regards, Sahil __________________________ Sahil Abdul Latheef +91 (0) 99308 76770 [email protected] Twitter @sahillatheef http://travellingsahil.blogspot.com/ -- Enjoy
