Discolampa Explained

Discolampa is a genus of butterflies in the family Lycaenidae. The genus ranges from Sri Lanka to New Guinea.

Family

Lycaenidae, commonly known as the blues or gossamer-winged butterflies.^[1]

They are found in Southeast Asia, ranging from Sri Lanka to New Guinea.

Size: They are likely small to medium-sized butterflies, though specific measurements are difficult to find.
Banded Blue Pierrot (Discolampa ethion): This is the best-documented species. It has:
- Upper wings: Dark blue with a broad white band across the middle. The inner and outer edges of the white band are edged with black. The base and edges of the wings are also black.
- Underside: Mostly white with black markings that resemble ribbons and spots.
- Body: Black head, antennae, thorax, and abdomen. The palpi (mouthparts) have a white stripe down the middle.
Other species (Discolampa albula & Discolampa ilissus): Information on their appearance is scarce, but they are likely to be similarly small with blue or brown upper wings and potentially white markings.

Diet: Like most Lycaenidae butterflies, Discolampa larvae likely feed on the leaves of specific leguminous plants (plants with bean-like seedpods).
Habitat: They are found in Southeast Asian forests, particularly in areas with good tree cover.
Flight: Specific flight patterns are unknown, but Lycaenidae butterflies are typically weak fliers and prefer short, flitting movements.

There are only three known species in the Discolampa genus:

Web site: Discolampa ethion (Westwood, [1851]) - Banded Blue Pierrot Butterfly ]. 2024-07-08 . www.ifoundbutterflies.org . en.