Skip to main content

Imperial Blue Butterfly

Jalmenus evagoras

Photo by ShannaB
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

-26.9267, 152.947

Field Notes

Notes:

Seen on an acacia on the Mount Tibrogargan walking track, Glasshouse Mountains. I was amazed to discover, whilst researching this butterfly, that its caterpillars secrete a substance that attracts ants... this explains the ant behaviour in this spotting, which was on the same bush: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/8975080

Reference Links:

Imperial Blue, Imperial Hairstreak - Jalmenus evagoras

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)
Atul
fabulous pic!
ShannaB
Wow, thanks martinl - that's amazing!
MartinL
Nice clear photo Shanna. The males stay around the bushes waiting for the females to emerge from their pupae. She will be mated before her wings are dry enough for flight. If eggs are laid on a bush without ants they will all be infested by predators. Here's one emerging. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/8905078
Ashish
Great spotting... This is very spectacular one...!!

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Butterflies & Moths of the World
Mission
The Color Red
Mission
Wilds of South-East Queensland
Mission
2012 Best Wildlife Photo
Photographed
PublishedFebruary 13, 2012

Community Sponsor

Butterfly
Become a Community Sponsor and Help Grow our Global Movement!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Butterflies icon
Become a Community Sponsor

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon

Nature & Conservation Organizations

Brands & Mission-Focused Companies