Small Cupid
Common NameSmall Cupid
Scientific NameChilades contracta
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)22
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, black, orange
HabitatOpen grassy areas, scrubland, gardens, fields, forest clearings
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia (e.g., India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host PlantsIndigofera, Zornia, Crotalaria, Rhynchosia, Tephrosia
Flight PeriodAll year in tropical regions
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves or flower buds. Larvae are typically slug-shaped and often myrmecophilous (associated with ants), pupating on or near the host plant.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, the uniform greyish-brown underside with a pattern of black spots, and the distinctive orange-ringed black eyespot on the hindwing, usually without tails.
Description
This small butterfly has a dull greyish-brown underside with a series of distinct black spots across both forewings and hindwings, featuring a prominent black spot ringed with orange on the hindwing near the tornus.
