Pale Babul Blue
Common NamePale Babul Blue
Scientific NameAzanus ubaldus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)21
Primary Colorspale grey, white, black, blue, orange
HabitatDry open areas, scrublands, savannas, often near acacia trees
Geographic RangeAfrica, Arabian Peninsula, South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan), parts of Southeast Asia
Host PlantsAcacia nilotica, Acacia modesta, Mimosa, Prosopis
Flight PeriodYear-round in warmer regions, multiple broods
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically myrmecophilous, associating with ants. They feed on young shoots, flower buds, and pods of host plants. Pupation occurs on the host plant or nearby.
Identification TipsLook for the pale greyish-white underside with distinct black spots, especially the prominent black spot with an orange crescent and iridescent blue scales near the tornus of the hindwing. Lacks tails.
Description
A small butterfly with pale greyish-white undersides, featuring numerous black spots. The hindwing displays a prominent black spot with an orange crescent and iridescent blue scales near the tornus, along with faint darker stripes on the forewing.
