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chinese butterfly? (1 Viewer)

ChinaKimmi

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I live in central China, Hubei province, and have noticed several of these around the past couple of weeks. They look more like a beetle when they are flying as opposed to a butterfly. I'm not much of a bug expert and only got a closer look as this one decided to share my tea! His body was about 5 cm long. Any ideas? Thanks!
 

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ChinaKimmi said:
I live in central China, Hubei province, and have noticed several of these around the past couple of weeks. They look more like a beetle when they are flying as opposed to a butterfly. I'm not much of a bug expert and only got a closer look as this one decided to share my tea! His body was about 5 cm long. Any ideas? Thanks!

Hello Kimmi,

An interesting looking specimen. I think it is a male moth, rather than a butterfly that you have photographed. As far as I aware, no butterfly has antennae like that, (with fringed edges). But, this form of antennae is a common feature on many male moth species, which use their antennae to detect the scent pheromones released by females of the same species, in order to attract a mate.

I have little knowledge of the Lepidoptera of the Orient and cannot identify it. Some other member of Bird Forum may be able to assist you, but you are more likely to identify it, by doing a web search for Chinese or Oriental Moths.

Harry
 
Last edited:
ChinaKimmi said:
I live in central China, Hubei province, and have noticed several of these around the past couple of weeks. They look more like a beetle when they are flying as opposed to a butterfly. I'm not much of a bug expert and only got a closer look as this one decided to share my tea! His body was about 5 cm long. Any ideas? Thanks!

It could be Histia flabellicornis (Zygaenidae, Chalcosiinae), see http://www.ccs-hk.org/DM/butterfly/Zygaenid/Histia-flabellicornis.html .
 
Hi Kimmi,

A warm welcome to BirdForum from all the Moderators and Admin.

Glad you have got your moth identified :t:
 
ChinaKimmi said:
Hello Harry and Harri

Thank you both very much for your help. It is a Scarlet Bodied Burnet Moth.

Kimmi

Hello Kimmi,
I'm glad you have an identification, we have enough problems identifying lepidoptera in our own area at times. lol. I must admit it doesn't look like any of the Burnet moths that we in Europe are familiar with.

Harry
 
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