Butterflies of
Thailand, Malaysia &
Borneo
Common Hedge Blue
Acytolepis puspa lambi
DISTANT, 1882
Family - LYCAENIDAE
subfamily -
POLYOMMATINAE
Tribe - POLYOMMATINI
introduction
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habitats |
lifecycle |
adult behaviour
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Acytolepis puspa lambi,
Bukit Tapah, West Malaysia |
Introduction
The genus Acytolepis comprises 5
species found variously from Sri Lanka to Japan and throughout
the south-east Asian islands from Sumatra to the Moluccas.
The upper
surface of the wings of all species are very pale silvery blue,
with blackish margins that are broader in the female than in the
male. The pattern of black spots and grey markings on the
silvery grey underside is found in several other genera
including Plautella,
Udara and
Megisba so close attention to the configuration of the
markings is essential when identifying these butterflies.
Acytolepis puspa is found from
India and Sri Lanka to Thailand, Malaysia and Hong Kong. It also
occurs on all major islands from Sumatra and Borneo to Sulawesi.
Habitats
The butterfly is found primarily in disturbed lowland forests
where it can be seen along unmetalled roads, forest tracks,
gardens, parks and archaeological sites. It is scarce above 500m
but occurs up to at least 1000m in Sri Lanka.
Lifecycle
The only information I have about the lifecycle is that the
larvae have been occasionally found on
Schleichera ( Sapindaceae ),
Hiptage ( Malpighiaceae ) and Xylia
( Fabaceae ).
Adult behaviour
The butterflies
are only active in hot sunny weather. Males are usually seen
either singly or in small numbers amidst mixed aggregations of
Nacaduba,
Prosotas, Megisba,
Anthene,
Neopithecops and other mud-puddling Polyommatine Blues.
They tend to remain stationary for long periods when feeding.
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