Tailed Black-eye
Common NameTailed Black-eye
Scientific NameCacyreus lingeus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Primary Colorsblue, grey, black
HabitatGardens, open woodlands, grasslands, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSub-Saharan Africa
Host PlantsPlectranthus, Pelargonium, Vigna
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are typically green or brownish, feeding on flowers and young shoots. Pupation occurs on the host plant or nearby.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, the combination of iridescent blue on the upperside, the pale underside with subtle patterns, and the distinctive hindwing tails with a black spot at the base of each tail.
Description
A small butterfly with an iridescent purplish-blue upperside and a pale greyish-white underside with faint, wavy markings. It features delicate tails on the hindwings, each with a prominent black spot.
