<> Mimathyma ambica (Kollar, 1844) <>
the Indian Purple Emperor ผีเสื้อเจ้าชายม่วง
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%20gallery2.jpg "Mimathyma ambica")
Photo taken at Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, Chiang Mai, Thailand. 540m a.s.l.
%20gallery2.jpg "Mimathyma ambica")
Mimathyma ambica is a beautiful species. The male in particular displays a brilliant iridescent blue on its upper wings when viewed from a certain angle. It is a timid but strong flier. The species is most common in the more northerly parts of the region but it has been recorded in Sumatra. It is sexually dimorphic but markings are similar. It is multivoltine with several broods per year but more research is needed.
Synonyms and previously used names: Apatura ambica, Potamis ambica
Taxonomy: Animalia - Arthropoda - Insecta - Lepidoptera - Nymphalidae - Apaturinae - Mimathyma - ambica
Regional subspecies: Mimathyma ambica ambica (India, Bhutan, W.Myanmar), Mimathyma ambica martini (Sumatra-Indonesia), Mimathyma ambica miranda (E.Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Yunnan-China)
Regional Distribution: India, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, China
Habitat: Mimathyma ambica is found in rainforest and humid montane deciduous forest. It has been recorded at elevations up to about 2600m a.s.l.
Flight time: most of the year, depending on location Wingspan: 65-75mm
Life History: not known
Larval Hosts: Celtis tetrandra (Cannabaceae), Ulmus wallichiana (Ulmaceae)
Adult Food Sources: Nectar - not known to nectar on flowers. Other - mud puddling, carrion, animal dumg.
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| Chiang Dao N.S., Chiang Mai, Thailand ♂ |
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| Chiang Dao N.S., Chiang Mai, Thailand ♂ |
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| Chiang Dao N.S., Chiang Mai, Thailand ♀ |
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| Celtis tetrandra a regular larval host |
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| Ulmus wallichiana, another larval host |
Links to other pages in this series for species in the same subfamily
Helcyra hemina
Mimathyma ambica
Sephisa chandra
