Saltbush Blue
Common NameSaltbush Blue
Scientific NameTheclinesthes petersi
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, white, blue
HabitatArid and semi-arid shrublands, open woodlands
Geographic RangeAustralia
Host PlantsAtriplex nummularia, Atriplex vesicaria, Atriplex rhagodioides
Flight PeriodSeptember to May (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on saltbush leaves and are often myrmecophilous, associating with ants. Pupation typically occurs near the host plant.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic brown and white striped/mottled underside pattern and its presence in areas dominated by saltbush plants. Males have iridescent blue uppersides.
Description
A small butterfly with a hairy, greyish-brown body and a distinctive underside pattern of brown and white stripes or mottling, often with a subtle blue sheen near the hindwing margin.
