Bhutan Butterflies

[David M]

Amazingly beautiful, Sonam. As Bugboy says, it almost doesn't seem real. The fact that they're quite common is even better. What a joy to have such a companion flying around you.

[Andrew555]

Wow, just wow, what a stunning array of butterflies, great pics too!
Thanks for posting Sonam, really interesting.

Andrew

[Sonam Dorji]

Hi all,

It has be quite a long time since I posted. I am posting a pic. of the Kanmuri's Green Hairstreak (Fujiokaozephyrus camurius), July 2019. This is female and I was lucky as it came down on the ground.

Hope you all like it.

Sonam

[bugboy]

That's a looker Sonam, kinda looks like a White-letter Hairstreak Satyrium w-album on steroids !

[Sonam Dorji]

That's a looker Sonam, kinda looks like a White-letter Hairstreak Satyrium w-album on steroids !

Thanks bugboy!

[Pauline]

I've been missing out big time Sonam as I've only just discovered your diary. What stunningly beautiful images you have posted - an absolute joy to view. Please keep posting.

[Sonam Dorji]

I've been missing out big time Sonam as I've only just discovered your diary. What stunningly beautiful images you have posted - an absolute joy to view. Please keep posting.

Thanks Pauline. Will be in the field soon. I will keep posting whatever I get.

rgds,
Sonam

[David M]

Great to see you back with your never-ending range of Asian exotica, Sonam.

I have to ask the question though.....what is 'green' about this Hairstreak?

[Sonam Dorji]

Great to see you back with your never-ending range of Asian exotica, Sonam.

I have to ask the question though.....what is 'green' about this Hairstreak?

Hi David,

Nice to hear from you. Hope to post more pics. It shows green iridescence on upperwings when light falls on it. It is not totally green but I assume it is named after that. I agree that the underside colors are totally different and can be misleading.

rgds,
Sonam

[Sonam Dorji]

Hi all,

Some few species flying around now in Bhutan. The Bi-color Commodore is a common species during his time of the year but it is also one of my most favourite.

Sonam

[David M]

... It shows green iridescence on upperwings when light falls on it. It is not totally green but I assume it is named after that. I agree that the underside colors are totally different and can be misleading.

Thanks for the explanation, Sonam.

You have an incredibly rich variety of species (not surprising I guess given the mountain terrain).

Your Bi-Colour Commodore is yet another exquisite example.

[Sonam Dorji]

... It shows green iridescence on upperwings when light falls on it. It is not totally green but I assume it is named after that. I agree that the underside colors are totally different and can be misleading.

Thanks for the explanation, Sonam.

You have an incredibly rich variety of species (not surprising I guess given the mountain terrain).

Your Bi-Colour Commodore is yet another exquisite example.

Thanks David. I am back in the field and here are some of my few encounters. There are also some Hornbills nests. I was lucky to see the three hornbill nests out of four.

Sonam

[bugboy]

I'm not even gonna pretend to pick a favourite out of that bunch, you get some extra envy from me with those fantastic Hornbills too !

[David M]

Your images from your home country make even the best parts of Europe seem tame by comparison, Sonam.

Bhutan has to be right up there in terms of unspoiled habitat.

[Sonam Dorji]

Your images from your home country make even the best parts of Europe seem tame by comparison, Sonam.

Bhutan has to be right up there in terms of unspoiled habitat.

Thanks David M. for such lovely words. Our government does try to maintain the pristine forests but there are challenges as well.

I'm not even gonna pretend to pick a favourite out of that bunch, you get some extra envy from me with those fantastic Hornbills too !

Thanks Bugboy. Here are some more for you all. Forgive me if I have accidently reposted some pics. These are all from August 2019 field trip to South Central Bhutan

Sonam

[Jack Harrison]

Thanks for resuming your postings. Not only are they first class pictures of lovely butterflies (but our own Peacock is as impressive a match for any of them!) but it is so pleasing to learn how your government has such a positive attitude to conservation.

Jack

[Sonam Dorji]

Thanks for resuming your postings. Not only are they first class pictures of lovely butterflies (but our own Peacock is as impressive a match for any of them!) but it is so pleasing to learn how your government has such a positive attitude to conservation.

Jack

Hi Jack,

Nice to hear from you. Hope al is well. I definitely agree that your Peacock is one of the topmost butterfly. I really like it. We are small so cant afford to play with our natural resources a lot. Bhutan is one the only Carbon negative country in the world! Anyways, Tony Moore was here in Bhutan in July for few days. I accompanied him in some of his field trips. He may post some of them when he is done with ID confirmation.

rgds,
Sonam

[David M]

Every time you post a line-up of species I am bowled over, Sonam. Difficult to pick a favourite but that Commander is certainly very eye-catching.

[Sonam Dorji]

Every time you post a line-up of species I am bowled over, Sonam. Difficult to pick a favourite but that Commander is certainly very eye-catching.

Thanks David. The commander is fairly common but yes it is also a beautiful one, both the UP and UN side. Attaching here some sceneries and people faces from where I took the butterflies. This is rainy season so mostly in the morning it is mists all the way.

[David M]

Wow. Those are breathtaking landscapes, Sonam. You really are blessed in your mountain kingdom.