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Small Dusky Blue

Candalides erinus

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-27.4721, 152.956

Field Notes

Description:

The Small Dusky Blue (wing span of about 2 cm) flies all year round in northern half of Australia. Its range overlaps with that of the southern larger Common Dusky Blue. The southern species has stronger patterning on its underside.

Habitat:

Spotted in dry sclerophyll forest.

Notes:

This butterfly was flying close to the ground. Damaged wings allow to see that the upperwing is brownish/black. Second shot shows scales detail.
This species also occurs in Timor and New Guinea

Reference Links:

Candalides erinus

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)
DanielePralong
Thanks for spending time on this modest little Blue, Martin. I'll update the info for C. erinus, with the caveats you mention.
MartinL
This is a tricky one unless you know them well. The options are the northern Small Dusky Blue and the southern larger Common Dusky Blue. Their ranges overlap in Brisbane. SDB (Candalides erinus) flies all year but CDB (C. hyacinthinus) flies till March, so cannot be eliminated. I suspect the southern species is scarcely seen in the north extent of its range and has stronger patterning on its underside than yours does. I tentatively lean towards Candalides erinus. http://lepidoptera.butterflyhouse.com.au/lyca/erinus.html

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Butterflies & Moths of the World
Mission
Wilds of South-East Queensland
Mission
The Color Blue
Mission
2013 Best Wildlife Photo

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Photographed
PublishedApril 22, 2013

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