Sunbeam

Lycaenidae; Curetinae; Curetis tagalica tagalica C.& R.Felder, 1862. This ssp. is endemic to the Philippines. Most of the Lycaenidae (that I have observed) have flown at fairly low levels, close to the ground and have perched on grasses, small plants and occasionally on shrubs or bushes up to about 3 ft. tall. This one perched at a height of about 12 ft. on a Mango tree. My first two pictures was taken, while standing on the ground, but I wanted some better shots and one of the rice mill guys quickly produced a step ladder and steadied it for me. So, my third shot was taken at eye level, but this little butterfly decided that enough was enough and took off. He then landed very high up on another mango tree, well over 20 ft. from the ground. At that time, I did not know that I was looking at a Lycaenid and started searching for its ID in Nymphalidae (very embarrassing). However, as you can see, I eventually found it in the Lycaenidae, to my great surprise. So, this butterfly not only looks different (more colourful) from other Lycaenids, but it also behaves differently, in terms of how high it flies and perches.The whole spotting was over in a minute or two, but it was just wonderful to have the opportunity of seeing this smart little creature flying around in our vicinity.