Subsequent to this post on "Saving the Harlequin" at Macro section "Sharing a few Butterflies" thread , we did not sit idly by and watch the demise of this butterfly.
After being absent from the main Island of Singapore for almost 20 years , The Harlequin was rediscovered in Apr 06, due to the small numbers and localized nature of this butterfly, and the possible threat of development of the site, ButterflyCircle had initiated a conservation plan to relocate/propagate the butterfly.
Subsequently its hostplant was identified and the life cycle of the species from eggs to adult butterfly was recorded. Since the rediscovery, regular visits were conducted to monitor the colony and study its habitat to understand this species better.
Suitable sites with similar hostplants were scouted and surveyed for the relocation plan. A batch of the adults was relocated on June 07, however for some reason they did not produce any offspring at the relocated site. With the discovery of the imminent destruction of their habitat, it prompted us to launch our immediate action plan to save the species.
The plan entails conserving the species by breeding and relocate them to suitable sites for their continual survival. Many hours and much effort have been spent combing the site since 9th Oct 07 to locate and evacuate eggs and adults for the breeding program. We were lucky and managed to have a few pairs of this butterfly.
This is the first attempt on breeding this Riodininae species, and there is no information available on the subject, hence some efforts were directed at formulating the housing, feeding ,care and egg laying of the butterflies.
The species is not a nectar feeder, they are often observed feeding on microscopic substance on leaf surface, nevertheless, after close observations and some trials , a formula for feeding the adults was established and that keep them happy and alive. In return they had rewarded us with a number of eggs.
I am glad to report that from these harvested eggs:
The first batch of approx 80 Harlequin caterpillars have reached 3-4th instar in the hands of ButterflyCircle Members .
and
A local organization, roped in to assist in this project and supplied with a batch of eggs, is now breeding 60-80 caterpillars at the 2nd-3rd instar.
some of the caterpillars
When we have sufficient numbers , the Harlequin will be released onto selected sites .This is our small effort and contribution to saving this rare Lycaenidae.
I Will provide timely update and its progress on this Save the Harlequin Project
Cheers!
Saving The Harlequin
These two individuals could very well be the last generation of the recently rediscovered Harlequin in the wild as their habitat is threaten by development.
Taxila haquinus haquinus (Harlequin) Male
Taxila haquinus haquinus (Harlequin) Female
Somewhere near the CCA
Bluesteel
After being absent from the main Island of Singapore for almost 20 years , The Harlequin was rediscovered in Apr 06, due to the small numbers and localized nature of this butterfly, and the possible threat of development of the site, ButterflyCircle had initiated a conservation plan to relocate/propagate the butterfly.
Subsequently its hostplant was identified and the life cycle of the species from eggs to adult butterfly was recorded. Since the rediscovery, regular visits were conducted to monitor the colony and study its habitat to understand this species better.
Suitable sites with similar hostplants were scouted and surveyed for the relocation plan. A batch of the adults was relocated on June 07, however for some reason they did not produce any offspring at the relocated site. With the discovery of the imminent destruction of their habitat, it prompted us to launch our immediate action plan to save the species.
The plan entails conserving the species by breeding and relocate them to suitable sites for their continual survival. Many hours and much effort have been spent combing the site since 9th Oct 07 to locate and evacuate eggs and adults for the breeding program. We were lucky and managed to have a few pairs of this butterfly.
This is the first attempt on breeding this Riodininae species, and there is no information available on the subject, hence some efforts were directed at formulating the housing, feeding ,care and egg laying of the butterflies.
The species is not a nectar feeder, they are often observed feeding on microscopic substance on leaf surface, nevertheless, after close observations and some trials , a formula for feeding the adults was established and that keep them happy and alive. In return they had rewarded us with a number of eggs.
I am glad to report that from these harvested eggs:
The first batch of approx 80 Harlequin caterpillars have reached 3-4th instar in the hands of ButterflyCircle Members .
and
A local organization, roped in to assist in this project and supplied with a batch of eggs, is now breeding 60-80 caterpillars at the 2nd-3rd instar.
some of the caterpillars
When we have sufficient numbers , the Harlequin will be released onto selected sites .This is our small effort and contribution to saving this rare Lycaenidae.
I Will provide timely update and its progress on this Save the Harlequin Project
Cheers!
