Elbowed Pierrot
Common NameElbowed Pierrot
Scientific NameTarucus ananda
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, scrub, forest edges, gardens
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia (e.g., India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia)
Host PlantsZiziphus jujuba, Ziziphus mauritiana
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, with seasonal peaks
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on Ziziphus species and are often myrmecophilous, associating with ants. They undergo complete metamorphosis, pupating into a chrysalis before emerging as adults.
Identification TipsLook for the small size, the striking black and white checkered or spotted pattern on the underside, and the characteristic 'elbow' mark on the hindwing, which gives the butterfly its common name.
Description
A small butterfly with a distinctive black and white mottled pattern on its underside, featuring prominent black spots and an 'elbow' shaped mark on the hindwing.
