Orange-tipped Pea-blue
Common NameOrange-tipped Pea-blue
Scientific NameCatochrysops panormus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale grey, orange, black
HabitatGardens, open woodlands, forest edges, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia, parts of Australia
Host Plantsvarious legumes (Fabaceae)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae feed on legume plants and are often myrmecophilous, associating with ants.
Identification TipsLook for the pale underside with the distinctive orange and black markings on the hindwing, along with the small size and typical 'blue' butterfly antennae.
Description
A small butterfly with pale greyish-white undersides, characterized by a prominent orange patch with black spots near the tornus of the hindwing and a series of small black spots across the wings.
