PRELIMINARY REPORT:
Not yet subjected to peer review

Charles DeRoller
exoticimports@(spamblock)hotmail.com

ABSTRACT:

In late April 2001, I visited Munda with like minded entomologists from USA and England. John Tennent of the British Museum of Natural History (BMNH) was also with our group. More recently (13-21 November 2002) I spent six days in the field in the Munda region to conduct follow up studies of the same region. Field studies in the Honiara region of Guadalcanal were also conducted the previous week. Unless otherwise noted, all observations pertain to the November 2002 study period.

TOPOGRAPHY:

Munda Point is located on the south western end of New Georgia Island, Western Province, Solomon Islands. The region is comprised of other well known islands including Vella Lavella, Kolombangara, Ghizo, and Rendova. Cumulatively, this geographical region is known as the New Georgia Group.

The coastal region of Munda Point is low lying, reaching an altitude of only approximately 8 meters to a point 500m inland. This region has been clear-cut and farmed (copra) for in excess of a century. The predominant feature is a 3km long airstrip built by US forces during the Second World War (1943). The airstrip stretches from the village of Kokenggolo in the west to Lambete village in the east. Verbal reports from the natives indicate that many smaller hills and vales were bulldozed flat by the Americans during the airstrip construction. Photo records confirm this. Photos dating to WWII also show that much of the Munda Point region, up to more than a kilometer inland, were cleared by mechanized means as well as intense artillery and aerial bombardment.

North (inland) of Munda Point the terrain becomes hilly with many ridges and streams. Secondary growth predominates the region to a point approximately 2km from the coast.

Old growth forest begins approximately 2km from the coast, and is predominated by teak and ficus. While the canopy provides a heavy shield from the sun (sufficient to block GPS signal reception), undergrowth is also quite heavy and is comprised of saplings, vines, and ferns.

Field work in 2001 and 2002 was conducted primarily along a WWII jeep trail extending from the east end of the airstrip (S 8º 19.813’ E 157º 16.255’) north into the hills. The southern portions of the trail are surrounded by local gardens and secondary growth. The gardens are primarily vegetables, and interestingly the flowering plants seem to attract few Lepidoptera. The trail continues into an area of older growth, meandering through both hilltops and valleys. A hilltop clearing located at S 8º 18.560’ E 157º 16.069’ was fresh in April 2001, but in November 2002 had become overgrown. As the jeep trail continues heavier growth prevails, indicating no recent (within the last 60 years) clear cutting. The trail terminates where primary growth begins; this location was recorded as S 8º 18.260’, E 157º 16.179’ at an elevation of 139 meters. A foot path extends another 150 meters beyond this to a cleared area where hand logging had recently been active. It is noteworthy that though this path only reaches some four kilometers inland, actual walking distance well exceeds this; side trips through trails and gardens quickly increase coverage area such that on one day over 16 km was walked in the vicinity of this short trail.

One day of study was conducted along the road to Noro (known locally as “the road to Noro”). While it had been previously been reported (Tennent, pers. comment) that this area was attractive for lepidoptera, it proved on this expedition to yield little of interest. Few lepidoptera, none noteworthy, were observed.

LEPIDOPTERA:

Lepidoptera of the New Georgia Group have been studied for over one century, and are considered to be well known. To date, 134 species of butterflies have been recorded in New Georgia (Tennent:2002). Comparative studies (Tennent: 2002) have shown that many Lepidoptera taxa are unique to each of the major island groups, including New Georgia. In fact, three species and 20 subspecies unique to New Georgia Group have been identified (Tennent: 2002). My field studies in April 2001 and November 2002 have recorded 46 species confirmed, with one possible new species.

A number of species may be observed in developed areas. Arhopala while not often seen, may frequent residential trees in groups of five or more. Euploea sp. are quite common along the coastline. Common nymphalidae frequent the hibiscus hedgerows. Even Ornithoptera victoria was reported in the vicinity of Agnes Lodge (though this is dubious, as it is not certain that the individual reporting this can discern between victoria and urvilleanus). Papilio fuscus and bridgei frequent citrus trees in Kekehe village.

This report is not a comprehensive list of butterflies found in the Munda Point region; rather it is a sample of what has been observed during brief periods.

SPECIES ACCOUNTS:

HESPERIDAE (PYRGINAE)

Tagiades japetus hovia figure b9

A few specimens observed and captured sitting on the upperside of leaves exposed to sunlight along trails.

HESPERIDAE (COELINADIAE)

Hasora hurama kieta figure b10

A few specimens observed and captured in light secondary growth.

HESPERIDAE (HESPERINAE)

Talicota solva figure b7

Common on roadsides and open trail areas. Easily confused with Cephrenes shortlandia, however solva exhibits a spot on the submedian region of the discal cell. Tennent claims that solva may appear similar to elsa; however, this subject specimen is clearly not elsa, exhibiting a much more abrupt pattern on the marginal region band.

Suniana sunias Isabella figure b6

A small species, common near the airstrip and in sunny trail areas.

Cephrenes shortlandica figure b8

A single specimen taken (likely more due to its inconspicuous size than population) resembles the specimen figured in Tennent:2001, Plate 2. The orange coloration on the subcosta/postmedial region does exhibit more coloration than that figured; however, the orange line along S2 is clearly evident. Tennent differentiates shortlandica from augiades by the “fw band of gc separating the orange markings”. Also, shortlandica does not exhibit the strong upf sex brand as in solva.

PAPILIONIDAE

Ornithoptera victoria rubianus figure b15, b16

A single female was observed approximately 1.5km north of the start of the jeep trail. Flying at a height of 10 meters, the subject was observed for approximately two minutes before disappearing into the canopy. Note that victoria is farmed on nearby Rendova Island.

Ornithoptera priamus urvilleanus figure b17

None observed in Munda either in April 2001 or November 2002. Notably, urvilleanus was quite common on Tasahe Ridge near Honiara on Guadalcanal in April 2001, yet not a single individual was sighted in the same location in November 2002. This species was common in Lokuru village, Rendova in April 2001.

Graphium agememmnon salomonis figure b1

Several agememmnon were taken along the trail, generally after alighting on trail side vegetation. One specimen taken exhibits displacement of the normal green pigmentation by reddish-brown in the forewing submariginal and most of the hindwing spots. In that the discoloration in a few spots only displaces part of the normal green, it may be due to natural chemical discoloration rather than a genetic trait.

Graphium hiceton figure b2

This species, not even observed during April 2001, was relatively common on both Guadalcanal and Munda Point. Several specimens of both sexes were captured visiting non-flowering plants at a height of approximately 1.5 meters.

Graphium mendana neyra not figured

Generally considered a rarity, mendana was quite common along the jeep trail. While not captured, mendana was readily recognized at short distances, several coming within one meter of the ground. This species was commonly observed flying at treetop level (approximately 10 meters) in more open areas along the jeep trail. On 20 November 2002, 1500- 1600 hours, both Graphium mendana and Graphium codrus were found in a trailside clearing approximately 3 km north on the jeep trail. A roadside bowl of approximately 4m by 4m surrounded by 10m flowering trees provided a plethora of Graphium sp. The waning sun shone directly into the small “bowl”. During a one hour period, both mendana and codrus were observed in quantity (> 20 individuals of each species). At times, one or more individuals would plummet into the bowl, terminating at two meters above the ground and quickly returning to treetop level. Often the subject individual would chase Papilio ulysses off the treetop and into the bowl. Though many came within net range, not a specimen was captured due to speed; no individuals alighted. As the sunlight departed the bowl activity ceased. This was observed one day only, and opportunity was not available to observe if it was a daily occurrence.

Graphium codrus tenebrionis not figured

Note above comments. Codrus was also observed in a variety of environments, including numerous individuals flying between trees. This species was also observed flying through dense secondary growth. Despite having several individuals in the net, none were truly captured (either through ineptitude or bad luck). In April 2001 I captured one male codrus and lost two more in a single day.

Graphium sarpedon isander not figured

Though Graphium sarpedon is quite common throughout Asia, the subspecies occurring in Solomon Islands is relatively rare in museum collections (Tennent, pers. Comm.) In April 2001, none were observed. However, in November 2002 Graphium sarpedon was abundant both in Munda Point and along the road to Mt. Austin on Guadalcanal. Along the Munda jeep trail, three or four sarpedon could be observed at one time on treetops in clearings (compare this to the Guifu Ridge/ Mt. Austin area, where at times more than a dozen individuals could be readily identified at one time; in fact, directly south of Guifu village Graphium sarpedon was the most common butterfly). This species, similar to other graphium, often makes short fast flights groundward, quickly darting back up to treetop level. Though several were in the net, none were secured.

Papilio phestus minisculus figure b3, b4, b5

This butterfly varies greatly in size, but is readily identifiable (and easily captured) as it flies down the trail. This species is easily confused with Papilio polydorus polypemon. Note that no Papilio polydorus polypemon were captured or apparently observed in Munda (though the species was abundant on nearby Kolombangara in April 2001).

Papilio woordfordi laarchus figure b12

In April 2001, several members of the study group reported capture of this species, though I failed to obtain any. Woodfordi and bridgei prove indistinguishable in flight. In November 2002 woodfordi was captured flying in two strategic locations (“flyways”) accompanying both Papilio fuscus and Papilio bridgei. While often observed flying through undergrowth and across the trail, woodfordi/bridgei prove to be most easily captured along established flight patterns. One such flight pattern was found in April 2001. Relocating this same location in November 2002 proved difficult as the trail had not been maintained and become overgrown; however, the traffic of the subject species exiting the former trail revealed its location. Following the trail revealed an abandoned garden. Papilio woodfordi, bridgei and fuscus were all captured in this area, with a ratio of approximately 1:5:5. The second flyway discovered was approximately 3km north on the jeep trail. Subjects would fly out of the secondary growth across the jeep trail and enter the forest on the other side. Numerous specimens were observed and captured in a 20 meter section of trail. No female woodfordi were captured at any location.

Papilio bridgei prospero figure b13, b14

See above. Papilio bridgei was also observed near citrus trees in Kekehe village. Several female specimens were taken deeper in secondary growth.

Papilio fuscus relmae figure b18

See above. Papilio fuscus was common among the citrus trees in Kekehe village. With experience, fuscus can be discerned from woodfordi/bridgei while in flight. Many were observed flying both alongside, through, and across trails. Papilio fuscus (presumably males) was observed chasing woodfordi/bridgei on several occasions. A single male specimen captured exhibits reduced red coloration on the underside of the hindwings, absence of the “eye spot” on the upperside of the hindwing, and overall reduced coloration. The specimen’s hindwing tails are not present; it is unclear whether the specimen eclosed in this manner or they were lost as an adult.

Papilio ulysses georgius figure b11

This species was not observed during the first two days of study, and appeared to become more common later in the collecting period. The behavior of this species is well documented as a treetop flyer, often attacking blue objects. Experimentation with various shades of blue yielded no intelligible results; medium blue plastic bags were attacked repeatedly by bypassers; both a blue potato chip bag and a blue beer can which (to my eyes) were closer to the color of ulysses proved of little interest; a light blue shirt worn by a local youth was readily targeted. Papilio ulysses (presumably males) were observed attacking a variety of other butterflies, including Graphium, Arhopola, and particularly Hypolimnas alimena males. A single female ulysses was captured on the underside of an overhanging leaf immediately prior to a rain shower.

PIERIDAE (COLIADINAE)

Eurema hecabe nivaria figure a41

A very common species, found in most open areas.

PIERIDAE (PIERINAE)

Appias ada florentia figure a39

A single specimen was taken in an open area on the jeep trail. Several other specimens were observed.

Cepora perimale agnate figure a40

One specimen captured on the road to Noro; others observed. Most specimens were heavily damaged.

LYCAENIDAE

Arhopala eurisus eurisus figure a31, a32

A single female specimen was captured on the jeep trail in an area of heavier secondary growth. A male captured in April 2001 appears similar to that figured in Tennent: 2002.

Nacaduba kurava euretes figure a35

Several specimens were observed in secondary growth near a stream; two specimens were captured.

Nucaduba sp. figure a34

A single male specimen captured in April 2001 cannot be adequately identified to a particular species. The uns resembles mallicollo, however the postmedial spots are much rounder and darker, while the entire uns is more broadly marked than mallicollo, yet darker. The ups is entirely blue, though lighter than mallicollo pictured in Tennent:2002. This specimen is considered to be undertermined, though Tennent examined a photo and determined it to be N. kurava.

Jamides areas figure a33

One specimen was taken flying with Nacduba kurava euretes as described above.

Catopyrops keiria keiria figure a36, a37

A common species observed throughout the region.

Zizula hylax dampierensis figure a38

Solomon Islands’ smallest butterfly species. Common throughout the region.

NYMPHALIDAE (DANAINAE)

Ideopsis juventa sobrinoides figure a26

Common throughout the Solomon Islands.

Parantica schenkii schenkii figure a25

A common species found in open areas and wide trails, it often is found feeding on flowering plants.

Danaus affinis decipiens figure a20

One individual was captured in the “bowl” discussed under Graphium mendana. Like the Graphium, it too dropped off the canopy into the bowl; its slower flight afforded capture. This was the only specimen observed.

Euploea phaenareta hurippa not figured

While not captured or observed closely, numerous large dark “euploea-like” butterflies were observed throughout the week. Identification was not confirmed, so it is only an assumption that this was the species observed. In all cases, the specimen would sail slowly down from heavy, dark forest and alight, or attempt to alight, on trailside vegetation. Specimens observed to alight all did so on the upper side of large horizontal leaves at a height of three to five meters. In all cases, the specimens were very wary, and would quickly take flight, gain altitude and disappear back into the forest.

Euploea asyllus asyllus figure a21

A single specimen was taken on a trail through dense forest.

Euploea leucostictos polymela figure a19

Captured occasionally exiting secondary growth.

Euploea boisduvalii fraudulenta figure a22

A common species observed under most conditions.

Euploea treitschkei aenea figure a23, a24♀

Encountered in dark, heavy forest. Two males were taken while apparently fighting. One female was captured.

NYMPHALIDAE (SATYRINAE)

Mycalesis perseus lalassis figure a8

Few specimens were observed; due to dark coloration they may simply be overlooked.

Mycalesis interrupta interrupta figure a6

Common along trails and roads through secondary growth.

Argyronympha rubianensis rubianensis figure a5, a7

Common along trails and roadways.

NYMPHALIDAE (MORPHINAE)

Taenaris phorcas phorcas figure a11

A single specimen was captured in late afternoon in April 2001 flying through the Agnes Lodge compound. No other sightings were reported in April 2001 (among eight entomologists) or in November 2002.

NYMPHALIDAE (APATURINAE)

Cyrestis acilia nitida figure a10

One of the most common butterflies in secondary growth.

NYPHALIDAE (NYMPHALINAE)

Doleschallia brownii figure a13

A single specimen captured in April 2001 appears closest to that figured in Tennent:2002: Plate 72. However, the subject specimen exhibits extensive ups white spots in the upf postmedial region (far more than shown in Tennent) as well as an absence of the black streak from the discal cell to the submarginal area of S4. The unf exhibits none of the “eyespots” pictured for tongana, and the underside is uniformly light as in brownii.

Hypolimnas antilope shortlandica figure a29

A number of specimens were observed; extreme variability in both sexes observed. Frequents trailside vegetation.

Hypolimnas pithoeka pithoeka figure a27, a30

A number of specimens were taken; extreme variability in both sexes observed. Frequents trailside vegetation.

Hypolimnas bolina figure a1, a2, a3

Despite being probably the most common butterfly in April 2001, and being ubiquitous and common throughout the range, few bolina were observed in November 2002.

Hypolimnas alimena diphridas figure a11, a15

Both sexes observed commonly along open trails. Males chase almost any intruder and often return to the same position previously occupied. Several male individuals were noted to occupy the same position over several days. Most specimens were heavily worn and damaged (as compared to April 2001 when many specimens were fresh).

Yoma algina pavonia figure a4

Individual specimens were observed occasionally flying through underbrush alongside trails.

Junonia hedonia zelima figure a28

Often encountered in open, sunny areas in the forest. Individuals may be commonly seen chasing other butterflies, particularly Hypolimnas alimena.

NYMPHALIDAE (HELICONIINAE)

Vidula arsinoe albosignata figure a16, a17

A common species easily damaged during net capture. Almost all specimens observed appeared to be fresh. The sexes are sexually dimorphic, the males appearing predominately orange and the females brown and white.

Cupha melichrysos tredecia figure a12

Flies individually or occasionally in pairs through roadside underbrush. Occasionally encountered with Yoma algina.

ADDITIONAL SPECIES RECORDED:

The following species were collected by Sally J. Warren in late April 2001. List collated by Andrew D. Warren

Tagiades japetus hovia
Tagiades trebellius vella
Suniana sunias Isabella
Pelopidas agna agna
Pelopidas lyelli lyelli
Ornithoptera priamus urvilleanus
Graphium Agamemnon salomonis
Graphium codrus tenebrionis
Papilio bridgei propero
Papilio fuscus relmae
Eurema hecabe nivaria
Parantica schenkii schenkii
Tirumala hamata obscurata
Euploea leucostictos polymela
Euploea boisduvalii fraudulenta
Euploea treitschkei aenea
Cyrestis acilia nitda
Phaedymas fissizonata vella
Hypolimnas bolina
Vidula aresinoe albosignata
Junonia hedonia zelima
Mycalesis interrupta interrupta
Zizina labradus lampra
Catopyrops ancyra amaura

ACKNOWLEGEMENTS

This study would not have been possible without the assistance of the following:
• John Tennent, British Museum of Natural History- for his support and interest, and particularly for his research and resulting book Butterflies of Solomon Islands, without which identification would have been impossible.
• Tia Masolo, Solomon Islands Department of Natural Resources- for securing the proper permits and his genuine interest in the natural history of Solomon Islands.
• Flix Eddie, Kekehe village, Munda Point- for his expert guide work and excellent observation skills.
• David Kera, Agnes Lodge, Munda Point- for lodging and hospitality during my stay in Munda.

Fantastic article, thank you very much.

teinopalpus