Thursday, 19 March 2020
12-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - GREY PANSY BUTTERFLY (Junonia atlites)
The Grey Pansy (Junonia atlites) is a nymphalid butterfly native to South Asia, characterized by its pale greyish-brown wings with intricate dark wavy lines and prominent, pinkish-black eyespots. Commonly found in open, sunny areas like gardens, fields, and wetlands, this 55-60mm butterfly frequently basks with its wings spread.
J. atlites is found in Bangladesh, India, southern China, Cambodia, Indochina, the Malay Peninsula, western and central Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Key Facts About the Grey Pansy:
Appearance: The upperside is pale greyish buff, while the underside is much paler with fainter markings. Both wings feature a series of distinct eye-spots (ocelli).
Habitat & Behavior: Often observed gliding low over open grassy patches or near water bodies. They are, however, relatively rare in certain areas, such as Singapore.
Larval Food Plants: The caterpillars feed on plants in the Acanthaceae and Linderniaceae families, particularly Hygrophila species.
Regional Variation: Junonia atlites exhibits seasonal forms (wet- and dry-season forms) in parts of its range, such as Malaysia.
Pollinator: The adult serves as an active pollinator, feeding on nectar.
It is commonly found in the low country and hills of South Asia, including India and Sri Lanka. Junonia atlites, the grey pansy, is a species of nymphalid butterfly found in South Asia.
Upperside of both sexes pale lavender brown, apical half of wings paler. Forewing: cell with, three transverse, short, sinuous black bands, the outermost defining the discocellulars; a similar short, somewhat broader band beyond the apex of the cell; two transverse discal dusky black fasciae, the inner highly sinuous and outward, angulate above vein 4, the outer straighter, somewhat lunular, bordered by a series of whitish ovals with dusky or black centers. The black-centered spots in the ovals in interspaces 2, 5, and 6 margined posteriorly with rich ocherous yellow.
Beyond this series of ovals is a lunular, narrow, transverse dark band, followed by sinuous subterminal and terminal broad dark lines. Apex of wing slightly fuliginous. Hindwing: a short slender black loop from veins 6 to 4 at apex of cell-area; two discal sinuous transverse dark, fasciae in continuation of those on the forewing: followed by a series of dark-centered ovals in interspaces 2–6, the ovals in interspaces 2, 5, and 6 with the dark centers inwardly broadly bordered with ochreous yellow; postdiscal, subterminal and terminal dark lunular lines as on the forewing.
12-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - STORK BILLED KINGFISHER (Pelargopsis capensis)
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The Stork-billed Kingfisher, Pelargopsis capensis, is a grand avian spectacle, boasting a sizeable stature at 35 cm in length. This tree kingfisher is adorned with a vibrant palette: a green back, blue wings and tail, and an olive-brown head. Its underparts and neck are a soft buff, while the bill and legs are a striking bright red.
When identifying this species, look for its very large red bill, which is reminiscent of a stork's, hence the name. The sexes appear similar, making the task of distinguishing them a subtle art. The bird's flight is somewhat labored and flapping, yet it maintains a direct path.
The Stork-billed Kingfisher favors well-wooded environments, often found near bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, or coastal areas. It is a bird that appreciates the tranquility of nature's aquatic offerings.
This kingfisher has a wide but sparse presence across the tropical Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, from India to Indonesia. It is a resident bird, meaning it does not typically migrate and is found throughout its range year-round.
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A quiet and often inconspicuous percher, the Stork-billed Kingfisher is territorial in nature. It does not hesitate to chase away even large predators such as eagles. It is a skilled hunter, preying on fish, frogs, crabs, rodents, and occasionally young birds.
The vocal repertoire of this species includes a low, far-reaching "peer-por-por" repeated every few seconds, as well as a cackling "ke-ke-ke-ke-ke-ke," which can be heard echoing through its habitat.
Nests are excavated in river banks, decaying trees, or even in the nests of tree termites. The Stork-billed Kingfisher lays a clutch of two to five round white eggs, a modest but precious brood.
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There are 13 recognized races or subspecies of the Stork-billed Kingfisher, mostly differentiated by subtle plumage details. One notable variety, P. c. gigantea from the Sulu Archipelago in the Philippines, is distinguished by its white head, neck, and underparts.
The diet of the Stork-billed Kingfisher is quite diverse, including aquatic and terrestrial prey such as fish, frogs, crabs, rodents, and young birds. It hunts with patience and precision, often from a secluded perch.
The Stork-billed Kingfisher is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that, for now, this species does not face immediate threats to its survival on a global scale. However, continued monitoring is essential to ensure it remains out of danger.
Wednesday, 18 March 2020
12-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - RICE GRASSHOPPER (Genus Oxya)
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The genus Oxya, commonly known as rice grasshoppers or rice-field grasshoppers, belongs to the family Acrididae (subfamily Oxyinae). These insects are significant agricultural pests in Asia and Africa, primarily known for causing damage to rice, sugarcane, and maize crops. They are well-adapted to marshy environments, often found in or near wetlands and agricultural fields.
Here are key facts about the genus Oxya:
1. Appearance and Biology
Physical Characteristics: Oxya species are generally small to medium-sized grasshoppers. They are typically pale green to yellow-brown in color, often featuring a distinct, dark-brown, longitudinal stripe on either side of the head and pronotum.
Adaptations: They are well-adapted to wet, marshy conditions, with hind tibiae and tarsi that are flattened, functioning like oars to allow them to swim.
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Life Cycle: They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult).
Eggs are laid in the soil, usually in egg pods (often 25–40 eggs per pod) that are covered with a protective froth, enabling them to withstand harsh conditions.
Life Span: In many regions, they have one or two generations per year, with the egg stage often lasting through the winter (up to 200–300 days).
2. Habitat and Ecology
Habitat: They prefer moist, humid environments, specifically rice fields, grasslands, and marshes.
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Distribution: Highly widespread throughout Asia, particularly in Indomalaya and eastern Asia (e.g., China, Japan, Pakistan, India).
Diet: Oxya species are polyphagous, feeding on a variety of plants, but they mainly feed on rice, maize, millet, and other grasses.
3. Pest Status and Damage
Feeding Behavior: Both nymphs and adults are highly destructive. They chew large angular holes in leaves, which can lead to complete defoliation, leaving only the leaf mid-ribs.
Crop Impact: They can cause severe yield losses, particularly by damaging tender leaves, stems, and filling panicles (grains). 2–4 adults per square meter can reduce rice output by 6.8–17.8%.
Management: Natural enemies include spiders, birds, and various parasitic larvae.
14-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - ORIENTAL RAT SNAKE (Ptyas mucosa)
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Ptyas mucosa, commonly known as the Oriental rat snake, or Indian rat snake, is a common non-venomous species of colubrid snake found in parts of South and Southeast Asia. These are large snakes. Typical mature total length is around 1.5 to 1.95 m (4 ft 11 in to 6 ft 5 in) though some exceed 2 m (6 ft 7 in). The record length for this species was 3.7 m (12 ft 2 in), second only to their cousin Ptyas carinata among living colubrid snakes. Despite their large size, oriental ratsnakes are usually quite slender with even a specimen of 2 m (6 ft 7 in) commonly measuring 4 to 6 cm (1.6 to 2.4 in) only around in diameter[which?]. Furthermore, the average weight of ratsnakes caught in Java was around 877 to 940 g (1.933 to 2.072 lb), though larger males of over 2.3 m (7 ft 7 in) (which average mildly larger of the two sexes in the species) may easily weigh over 2.5 kg (5.5 lb). Their color varies from pale browns in dry regions to nearly black in moist forest areas. Rat snakes are diurnal, semi-arboreal, non-venomous, and fast-moving. Rat snakes eat a variety of prey and are frequently found in urban areas where rodents thrive.
Found in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cambodia, China (Zhejiang, Hubei, Jiangxi, Fujian, Guangdong, Hainan, Guangxi, Yunnan, Tibet, Hong Kong), Taiwan, India (including Andaman and Nicobar Islands), Sri Lanka, Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, Bali), Iran, Laos, West Malaysia, Nepal, Myanmar, Pakistan (Sindh area), Thailand, Turkmenistan and Vietnam.
14-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - ORIENTAL MAGPIE ROBIN (Copsychus saularis)
The diet of magpie-robins includes mainly insects and other invertebrates. Although mainly insectivorous, they are known to occasionally take flower nectar, geckos, leeches, centipedes and even fish.
They are often active late at dusk. They sometimes bathe in rainwater collected on the leaves of a tree.
The diet of magpie-robins includes mainly insects and other invertebrates. Although mainly insectivorous, they are known to occasionally take flower nectar, geckos, leeches,] centipedes and even fish.
They are often active late at dusk. They sometimes bathe in rainwater collected on the leaves of a tree.
12-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - BLUE TAILED BEE-EATER (Merops philippinus)
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The Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Merops philippinus, is a near passerine bird belonging to the family Meropidae. It is a slender bird with a rich palette of colors, predominantly green with a blue tail. The face features a narrow blue patch with a black eye stripe, and the throat is a mix of yellow and brown. Notably, the beak is black, and the three outer toes are fused at the base. Both sexes are similar in appearance, with a body length of 23–26 cm, including the elongated central tail feathers.
When identifying the Blue-tailed Bee-eater, look for the blue rather than green rump and tail, distinguishing it from the similar Blue-cheeked Bee-eater. The under-tail coverts are bluish, and the blue cheek patch is smaller. The chestnut on the throat and breast is darker and more extensive.
This species is typically found in open habitats near water bodies.
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The Blue-tailed Bee-eater has a widespread distribution across South and Southeast Asia. It is migratory in many parts of its range, with breeding colonies often found in river valleys.
These birds are known for their colonial breeding habits, nesting in close proximity within vertical mudbanks or sloping land. They exhibit communal feeding and roosting behaviors and may have helpers assisting the breeding pair.
The Blue-tailed Bee-eater's call is a rolling chirping whistle, described as a "teerp," primarily heard during flight.
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Breeding occurs from April to May in India, with nests tunneled into loamy sand banks. The species lays 5 to 7 near-spherical eggs, with both parents involved in care. They guard against brood parasitism and extra-pair copulation.
The Blue-cheeked Bee-eater is the most similar species within its range but can be differentiated by its drier habitat preference and distinct coloration differences.
The diet consists mainly of flying insects such as bees, wasps, and hornets, which are caught in the air from an open perch. The insects are beaten on the perch to kill them and break the exoskeleton.
The Blue-tailed Bee-eater is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), indicating a stable population.
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