Butterflying in Southern Thailand (Feb 2014)

Despite the development for tourism, Phuket was surprisingly rich of butterflies and the place did not disappoint us in the 2011 trip.  However, according to the book “Butterflies of Thailand”, Ranong, as a province relatively close to Phuket, was one of the most resourceful region for butterflies.  It was the primary reason why we visited this place.

Phuket

We took the night flight from Hong Kong to Phuket.  When we arrived, it was already 2 am.  Therefore, we decided to visit the two confirmed spots in Phuket.

  • Kathu Waterfall
  • Ton Sai Waterfall
Butterfly watching at Kathu Waterfall
Butterfly watching at Kathu Waterfall
Arhopala alaconia
Arhopala alaconia
Zela excellens
Zela excellens
Zela elioti
Zela elioti

Sithon nedymond

Sithon nedymond

Phang Nga

During our 2011 trip, we had some bad luck with the weather.  This time, though the weather was cool and dry, many butterflies showed up under the sunny weather.

  • Raman Waterfall Forest Park
  • Sa Nang Manora Waterfall
  • Sri Phang Nga National Park
Sa Nang Manora Waterfall
Sa Nang Manora Waterfall
Atrophaneura (Losaria) neptunus 紅斑錘尾鳳蝶
Atrophaneura (Losaria) neptunus 紅斑錘尾鳳蝶
Polyura delphis
Polyura delphis 
Neomyrina nivea
Neomyrina nivea

Ranong

This area is one of our primary target.  Early February seems not the right season.  The sunshine helped a little bit so butterflies are scarce.

  • Klong Na Kha Wildlife Conservation Area
Klong Na Kha Wildlife Conservation Area
Klong Na Kha Wildlife Conservation Area
Araotes lapithis
Araotes lapithis
Cyaniriodes libna
Cyaniriodes libna

Surat Thani

Recommended by butterfly watcher Antonio Giudici, we stayed at Khao Sok National Park.  Early February seems not the right season here.  It was quite cool, and too cool for butterflies.  While the weather was good, the sunshine helped to warm up the butterflies.  We were able to spot some butterflies we did not see in previous Phuket/Phang-nga trip.

  • Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park
Saletara panda
Saletara panda
Oriens paragola 黃斑偶侶弄蝶
Oriens paragola 黃斑偶侶弄蝶

 

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