Tiny Grass Blue
Common NameTiny Grass Blue
Scientific NameZizula hylax
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)18
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale grey, white, black
HabitatGrasslands, open fields, gardens, disturbed areas, forest edges
Geographic RangeAfrica, Asia, Australia
Host PlantsOxalis corniculata, Mimosa pudica, Acanthaceae species, various legumes
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the host plant. Larvae are small, slug-like, and feed on leaves and flowers. Pupation occurs on the host plant or nearby vegetation.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its extremely small size, the pale greyish-white underside with a characteristic pattern of small black spots, and its weak, low flight close to the ground.
Description
A very small butterfly with a pale greyish-white underside, adorned with several small black spots and a faint submarginal line. The upperside is typically iridescent blue in males and brownish-blue in females.
