Azure Sapphire
Common NameAzure Sapphire
Scientific NameHeliophorus epicles
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyLycaeninae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatForests, forest edges, clearings, and open areas in tropical and subtropical regions.
Geographic RangeSouth Asia and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, and southern China.
Host PlantsEmex, Polygonum, Rumex
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, with peaks during monsoon season.
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are slug-shaped and feed on plants from the Polygonaceae family. They are often myrmecophilous, meaning they have a symbiotic relationship with ants.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include the bright orange-yellow underside, the distinctive orange and black marginal pattern on the hindwing, and the two prominent tails, one longer than the other. The upperside, when visible, is typically iridescent purple or blue.
Description
A small butterfly with an orange-yellow underside, characterized by a prominent orange band with black spots and a white fringe along the hindwing margin, and two distinct tails.
