(Linnaeus, 1767)
Long-tailed Blue
Description:
The Long-tailed Blue is larger than it actually is. The underside of the wings have an attractive pattern of fine, wavy lines and two striking eye-spots near the rather long little tails on the hindwings. The habitats are typified by the presence of many kinds of leguminous plants that serve as food plants, and plenty of nectar-rich flowers for the butterflies. The habitats are warm, dry places, sometimes in agricultural areas. The main food plant is Bladder Senna (Colutea arborescens), but other leguminous species are also used. The caterpillars feed on the ripening seeds and on farms where peas and beans are grown, they can cause outbreaks. In natural situations, the caterpillars are attended by various ant species. The life clycle of the Long-tailed Blue takes four to six weeks. It does not go into hibernation, and can therefore only occur as a resident where it is warm enough for all stages to survive, and where there is a continuous supply of food for the caterpillars and adult butterflies.
Habitat:
Phrygana vegetation
Sclerophyllous scrub
Similar species:
Leptotes pirithous