Common Ciliate Blue
Common NameCommon Ciliate Blue
Scientific NameAnthene emolus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, white, black, orange
HabitatForest edges, open woodlands, gardens, scrubland
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia (e.g., India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host PlantsAcacia, Cassia, Xylia, Pongamia, Cajanus, Butea
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are slug-shaped and often engage in mutualistic relationships with ants (myrmecophilous). Pupation occurs on the host plant or nearby vegetation.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive brownish-grey underside with fine white wavy striations and the prominent black spot with an orange ring on the hindwing. The presence of fine cilia (hairs) along the wing margins is also a characteristic feature.
Description
A small butterfly with a brownish-grey underside adorned with intricate white wavy lines and a prominent black spot ringed with orange near the tornus of the hindwing. Males typically have an iridescent blue upperside.
