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Dotted Blue

Tarucus sybaris

Photo by pamsai
Published on Project Noah
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-26.2054, 32.0035

Field Notes

Description:

This little butterfly, 15mm, was feeding on a particular type of yellow flower, just before sunset. I saw many of these small butterflies, blues, hairstreaks etc. feeding just before sunset.
First photo was taken against the sun, second was taken in full sun, so is a little over exposed!

The Dotted Blue (Tarucus sybaris) is a butterfly of the Lycaenidae family. It is found in southern Africa.
The wingspan is 22–26 mm for males and 20–27 mm for females. Adults are on wing year round, with a peak from November to March.

Reference Links:

Tarucus sybaris

Species ID Suggestions

Dotted Blue

Tarucus sybaris

Reference Link
bayucca
1

Comments (4)
pamsai
Thanks bayucca and Daniele for the ID. Saw Kate over Easter, and she also confirmed it.
bayucca
Lycaenidae, Polymmatinae, Polymmatini, Tarucus sybaris. http://www.ispot.org.za/node/246291 http://www.ferncliffeconservancy.co.za/images/butterfly/preview/tarucus_sybaris.jpg http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/butterflies/lycaenidae/tarucus_sybaris.htm Similar to Tarucus bowkeri transvaalensis, but spots are different (more "lines" than spots). http://www.ispot.org.za/species_dictionary/Tarucus%20bowkeri%20subsp.%20transvaalensis Same one as yours but wrong ID: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rheaderham/4339790247/ @Daniele: Indeed a wrong ID on your link! It is Tarucus sybaris as well!
DanielePralong
Hi Pam! Same butterfly as there, however I am not sure it's correctly identified: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rheaderham/4339790247/

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Butterflies & Moths of the World
Mission
Mlawula Nature Reserve
Mission
Swaziland Guide
Photographed
PublishedApril 19, 2014

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