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Salt-bush Blue

Theclinesthes serpentata

Photo by Mark Ridgway
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

This tiny butterfly seemed even smaller than the grass blues like Zizina labradus. Length estimated at about 9mm.

Habitat:

Resting on a school wall at night near very strong lights.

Notes:

The genus has closely related species in an active process of speciation. Worth the time reading here... http://users.sa.chariot.net.au/~rbg/albocincta_ds.htm

Thanks martinl for ID.

Reference Links:

Saltbush Blue - Theclinesthes serpentata - Overview, Theclinesthes, Theclinesthes serpentata

Species ID Suggestions

Bitter-bush Blue

Theclinesthes albocincta

Reference Link
MartinL
1

Comments (4)
MartinL
I suspect that I've misidentified this and believe now it is Theclinesthes serpentata, the saltbush blue (AKA Chequered blue. These are closer to being in your range, as albocincta ranges mainly west and to Adelaide. http://users.sa.chariot.net.au/~rbg/serpentata.htm
MartinL
The male that I saw in a reference photograph didn't match very well. I just found a reference that illustrates the verso wing dimorphism nicely. http://lepidoptera.butterflyhouse.com.au/lyca/albocin.html Best indications of gender are usually top wing colors and posterior body view. Man, as I'm explaining this I'm thinking of several exceptions. Welcome to biology where the rule is 'there's no universal rule'
Mark Ridgway
Thanks for that Martin. What would indicate female here? Not the haughty posture surely... must be those gorgeous eyes.
MartinL
There are several races but I don't study Lycenidae. I think you have a female.

Spotted for Missions

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Butterflies & Moths of the World
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Dandenong Ranges - fauna & flora
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Global Schoolyard Bioblitz!
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Upper Ferntree Gully Primary School
Photographed
PublishedOctober 21, 2013

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