Dark Grass Blue
Common NameDark Grass Blue
Scientific NameZizeeria karsandra
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale brown, grey, black, white
HabitatGrasslands, meadows, open fields, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeAfrica, Middle East, Asia (including India, Southeast Asia), parts of Southern Europe, Australia
Host PlantsMedicago sativa, Trifolium repens, Lotus corniculatus, Ziziphus mauritiana, various other Fabaceae
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; multiple broods from spring to autumn in temperate zones
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves or flower buds. Larvae are typically slug-shaped and green, often associated with ants (myrmecophilous). Pupation occurs on or near the host plant.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size and the specific arrangement of black spots on the pale underside of the wings. Males typically have a dark violet-blue upperside, while females are duller brown.
Description
A small butterfly with a pale grayish-brown underside, featuring distinct black spots and faint wavy markings, particularly on the hindwings. The fringes are white.
