Upf = Upper side forewing Unf = Underside forewing
Uph = Upper side hind wing Unh = Underside hind wing
Similar species
The males of all three species resemble each other very closely.
Male Lesser Albatross
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The forewing outer margin is concave below the apex. |
| Upf |
The black scaling on the costal margin is more extensive. |
| Unf |
Subapical area pale ochreous; the area below, white. |
| Unh |
Uniformly pale ochreous. |
Male Striped Albatross.
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The forewing outer margin is straight below the apex. |
| Unf & Unh |
Uniformly chalky white with no markings. |
Male Common Albatross.
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Forewing narrower and less arched than in the Lesser Albatross. Termen below apex of forewing almost straight. |
| Upf |
Black scaling along the termen and costa very slight. |
| Unf & Unh |
Very similar to the Lesser Albatross, but much lighter in color |
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The Common Albatross and Lesser Albatross are probably conspecific and are seasonal variations of a single species. It has been reported that there are no discernable differences between the male genitalia of the Common Albatross and the Lesser Albatross. Despite being one of the commonest butterflies in the island, the early stages of the Lesser Albatross are yet to be described, adding to the speculation that it may be a seasonal variation of the Common Albatross. |
Female Lesser Albatross
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Upf
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The black band along the costa and termen very wide and pronounced. Not more than 3 spots in the subapical area. |
| Uph |
Lower margin with dusting of black scales, not so in the Common Albatross |
| Unf |
The black post-median band is broad, and smoothly concave. Ground colour ochreous, rich yellow in the Lankapura form. The latter also has a broad black post-median band. |
Female Common Albatross
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Very similar to the Lesser Albatross, but the overall black scaling is greatly reduced, and the borders are much narrower. |
| Upf |
Almost always more than 3 spots in the subapical area. |
| Uph |
Small triangular markings on the outer margin at the end of the veins. |
| Unf |
The black post-median band is very narrow and zigzag. |
Danaidae | Satyridae | Amathusiidae | Nymphalidae | Acraeidea | Libytheidae | Riodinidae | Lycaenidae | Pieridae | Papilionidae | Hesperidae
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