Little Tiger Blue
Common NameLittle Tiger Blue
Scientific NameTarucus nara
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Primary Colorswhite, black
HabitatDry scrubland, open forests, rocky areas, plains, foothills
Geographic RangeIndia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, southern China, Taiwan, Philippines
Host PlantsZiziphus mauritiana, Ziziphus jujuba, Ziziphus oenoplia, Ziziphus rugosa
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, with peaks during monsoon and post-monsoon
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green or brown, feeding on Ziziphus leaves and are myrmecophilous, associating with ants. Pupation occurs on the host plant.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, the striking white underside with bold black spots and bands, and the presence of a single short tail on the hindwing.
Description
A small butterfly with a white underside prominently marked with bold black spots and irregular bands, and a short filamentous tail on each hindwing.
