Purple Oak-blue
Common NamePurple Oak-blue
Scientific NameArhopala ganesa
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, purple, blue
HabitatOak forests, woodlands, forest edges
Geographic RangeHimalayas, Northeast India, Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia), parts of China
Host PlantsQuercus spp. (oaks), Lithocarpus spp.
Flight PeriodMarch to November (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on the host plants. Larvae feed on oak leaves and are often myrmecophilous (associated with ants). It undergoes complete metamorphosis through pupation to adult.
Identification TipsKey features include the dull brown underside with a specific pattern of darker spots and streaks, the small tails on the hindwings, and the iridescent purple-blue upperside (when visible). The blue and black ocellus-like spot near the hindwing tornus is also characteristic.
Description
A small butterfly with a dull greyish-brown underside, marked with a series of darker brown spots and streaks, and a distinct blue patch with a black spot near the tornus of the hindwing. The upperside is typically iridescent purple-blue.
