Pointed Ciliate Blue
Common NamePointed Ciliate Blue
Scientific NameAnthene lycaenina
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorslight brown, white, black, orange
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, open woodlands, gardens
Geographic RangeTropical Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia) and parts of Australia
Host PlantsAcacia, Cassia, Pongamia, Xylia, Cajanus, Crotalaria, Indigofera
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, with peaks during monsoon seasons
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically flattened and slug-like, feeding on the leaves and flowers of host plants. Some species in this family exhibit myrmecophily (association with ants).
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive underside pattern of wavy white lines on a light brown background, the prominent black spot with an orange ring on the hindwing, and the small tail at the hindwing tornus.
Description
A small butterfly with a light brown underside adorned with intricate white wavy lines. It features a prominent black spot ringed with orange and a short tail on the hindwing, and a smaller dark spot on the forewing.
