Arhopala amantes explained

Arhopala amantes, the large oakblue, is a species of lycaenid or blue butterfly found in Asia.[1] [2]

Arhopala amantes is the largest lycaenid. It is surprisingly inconspicuous on the wing despite the brilliant metallic blue markings on its upperside. In the female, the blue scales are restricted to the centre and basal part of both wings; the outer margins are marked by a wide black band.

Ecology

It is a butterfly of the canopy of small trees, occasionally coming down to settle on shrubs and low bushes. It flies about a great deal during the day but often with long periods of resting in between flights. To rest, it usually selects a leaf exposed to full sun at a considerable height above ground.

The eggs are laid on the leaves of Syzygium, Terminalia and Hopea species.[3] The larvae and pupae are always attended by red ants.

It is not endangered.

Notes and References

  1. Book: A Synoptic Catalogue of the Butterflies of India. R.K.. Varshney. Smetacek. Peter. Butterfly Research Centre, Bhimtal & Indinov Publishing, New Delhi. 2015. 978-81-929826-4-9. New Delhi. 101. 10.13140/RG.2.1.3966.2164.
  2. Web site: Savela . Markku . Arhopala amantes (Hewitson, 1862) . Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms . June 30, 2018.
  3. 2018-04-10. Larval host plants of the buterfies of the Western Ghats, India. Ravikanthachari Nitin. V.C. Balakrishnan. Paresh V. Churi. S. Kalesh. Satya Prakash. Krushnamegh Kunte. Journal of Threatened Taxa. 10 . 4. 11495–11550. JoTT. 10.11609/jott.3104.10.4.11495-11550. free.