74. Euphaea masoni (Selys, 1879)

No: 74 / Family: Euphaeidae / Genus: Euphaea

Name: Euphaea masoni / Black Waterfall Gossamerwing* 

Habitat: Forested streams, usually found in sun spots (uplands & lowlands)

Province(s): Widespread
In flight: Year-round / Sightings (by me): Very common

Easily confused with: Euphaea pahyapi

*As there is no common name, I Name adapted the first part 'Black Waterfall' the Thai name and 'Gossamerwing' is used for some species in the genus Euphaea, so the Black Waterfall Gossamerwing.

On the brightest of days one species you will often encounter at forested streams is Euphaea masoni. It is very easy to identify, as it is virtually black, including its wings. It is easily the most common species to be found at most waterfalls and rocky streams. That said, it is difficult to photograph as it is quite skittish.

The Male

If you are lucky, you may even find a male that shimmers blue in the sunlight. I saw a small population like this in Mukdahan province. I have only seen males like this once (several at one location).

However, most look like this...

Another male in the hand ...

The 'Young' Male

 The young male is similar to the adult male but hasn't yet developed its black "furry" or pruinose thorax. Here it gives you the opportunity to see the markings which disappear under its black pruinose as it gets older. This male hid away from the river in the nearby bushes.

(photos taken 28/03/2011 @ Nang Rong Waterfall, Nakhon Nayok; added to blog 02/04/2011)

The Female

Finally, I have managed to get good photos of the female. This genus is really difficult to differentiate the females, but at Nang Rong Waterfall, Nakhon Nayok, only this species was present.

(photo taken 13/04/2011 @ Koh Chang; added 26/04/2011)

Like buses, two come at once...

After looking for a long time to spot the female, I managed to spot 2 within the space of 10 minutes of each other. This one is much darker than the one above and I think is a young specimen (looks like the young male - please advise if you know otherwise). Again, like the young male, this one hid away from the stream in the bushes.

(photos taken 28/03/2011 @ Nang Rong Waterfall, Nakhon Nayok; added to blog 02/04/2011)

You can see this species throughout the country, especially at shallow streams, all year round.