Common Pencilled Blue
Common NameCommon Pencilled Blue
Scientific NameCandalides absimilis
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale blue, grey, black
HabitatOpen forests, woodlands, coastal heath, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern Australia (Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria)
Host PlantsMelaleuca, Leptospermum, Callistemon, Acacia
Flight PeriodSeptember to May
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are often green or brown, camouflaged, and are known to associate with ants. Pupation occurs on or near the host plant.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive pale blue-grey underside with small black spots and subtle dark 'pencilled' markings, especially along the wing edges. Males have a brighter blue upperside.
Description
A small butterfly with a pale blue-grey underside, adorned with scattered small black spots and faint, dark, V-shaped markings near the wing margins.
