African Grass Blue
Common NameAfrican Grass Blue
Scientific NameZizeeria knysna
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale brown, grey, blue, black
HabitatGrasslands, open fields, gardens, disturbed areas, forest edges
Geographic RangeSub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, Arabian Peninsula, parts of the Middle East, Southern Europe
Host PlantsMedicago, Trifolium, Melilotus, Lotus, Oxalis
Flight PeriodYear-round in warmer regions; multiple broods in temperate areas
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae feed on leaves and flowers, often engaging in myrmecophily (association with ants). Pupation occurs on or near the host plant.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, the pale underside with a characteristic pattern of black spots, and the often iridescent blue upperside in males. The antennae are distinctly ringed black and white.
Description
A small butterfly with a pale greyish-brown underside adorned with several distinct black spots, and a finely fringed wing margin. Males typically exhibit an iridescent blue upperside.
