www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Some years ago I discovered the series of videos by "pedromariposa" on YouTube relating to the the butterflies of the Yungas cloud forest of Bolivia. I apologise for straying far from UK/European species but I am constantly amazed by the variety & numbers of species with truly exotic colouring/patterning to be found in this South American butterfly Paradise such that when the UK butterfly season is waining I return to this colourful collection to keep me going during the winter months. In need of a "butterfly fix" I recently returned to the series to discover one I had previously missed - "Bolivian Butterfies in 4K"-YouTube. In the opening sequence, centre stage, is a species remarkably similar to our Brimstone (although there is no means of knowing how big it is) This set me pondering about the distribution of this familiar butterfly. According to Global Biodiversity Information Facility (under GBFI 1920712) it occurs mainly in Europe, North Africa & Asia, with none appearing in the Americas. Do any of you experts out there know what it is? The nearest I can come up with is Anteos clorinde which appears to display similar, so-called, Gothic pattern wing shape & underwing colouring. Isn't evolution wonderful? TonyP

The well defined yellow patches on the forewing upperside (visible as it flies in this sequence) confirm this as a male Anteos clorinde.

Yes, evolution is a wonderful thing!! And what wonderful filming!

Guy

Many thanks for your prompt reply, Guy, & for your confirmation of my tentative attempt at putting a name to it. Your reply has had the bonus of introducing me to your wonderful butterfly websites. The butterfly-house guide is particularly helpful as I have a small collection of unidentified photos of "tropical" species seen at various sites including the much-lamented Butterfly World in St. Albans amongst others. I love the Indian species too. Thank you.
Tony P