Common Cerulean
Common NameCommon Cerulean
Scientific NameJamides celeno
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorspale grey, white, orange, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, gardens, scrubland
Geographic RangeIndian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, parts of Australia
Host PlantsPongamia pinnata, Cajanus cajan, Butea monosperma, Xylia xylocarpa, Abrus precatorius
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are slug-like and often myrmecophilous, pupating on the host plant or nearby vegetation.
Identification TipsLook for the pale grey underside with distinct white wavy bands, the two orange-ringed black spots on the hindwing tornus, and a single delicate tail on each hindwing. Males have an iridescent blue upperside.
Description
A small butterfly with a pale greyish-white underside marked by fine white wavy transverse lines, and two prominent orange-ringed black spots on the hindwing tornus.
