Forest Pierrot
Common NameForest Pierrot
Scientific NameTarucus theophrastus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black
HabitatDry scrubland, open forests, wadis, gardens, and areas with host plants.
Geographic RangeNorth Africa, Arabian Peninsula, Middle East, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.
Host PlantsZiziphus jujuba, Ziziphus spina-christi, Ziziphus nummularia
Flight PeriodMultiple broods, typically March to November depending on the region.
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the host plant. Larvae feed on the leaves of *Ziziphus* species and are often myrmecophilous (associated with ants). Pupation occurs on the host plant or nearby vegetation.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size and the characteristic pattern of numerous black spots on a white or pale blue background, particularly prominent on the underside of the wings.
Description
A small butterfly with white or pale blue wings heavily marked with numerous irregular black spots on both the upper and underside, often with a row of submarginal spots.
