Fringed Blue
Common NameFringed Blue
Scientific NameActizera lucida
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)20
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, blue
HabitatGrasslands, fynbos, open scrub, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSouthern Africa (South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia)
Host PlantsIndigofera, Rhynchosia, Crotalaria
Flight PeriodAll year (more common September-May in South Africa)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves or stems. Larvae are typically slug-shaped and feed on the host plant, often attended by ants. Pupation occurs on or near the host plant.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, the distinctive mottled grey-brown underside pattern with a prominent fringe, and the bright blue upperside in males (females are duller blue or brown).
Description
A small butterfly with a greyish-brown underside featuring intricate mottled patterns of darker brown spots and lines, and distinctly fringed wings.
