Description
A small blue with a wingspan of 20-25 mm. Though the sexes look similar in overall markings, the blue iridescence on the upper surface of the male is unmistakable. The upper side of both wings have wide submarginal bands that are black or nearly so in the male, but brown in the female. There is well defined central white bands on both wings that align with each other to resemble a llama's head and neck. 

Similar species
The Angled Pierrot - The black markings on the undersides are fewer though much broader, particularly on the forewing. There are no spots on the submarginal band on the under side of the hind wings; only a fine black lunular line. The upper sides have no trace of blue for either sex and the shape of the central white area resembles a sea horse.

Status, distribution and habitat
This is a butterfly of the southern part of the island and it ascends the hills to 5000 feet. Unlike the Common Pierrot, it is a forest loving species. It is somewhat uncommon but is found all year round, especially around 1000 to 2000 feet elevation. It prefers edges of  forests, sunlit areas of foot paths through forests, and stream beds.

Habits
This is an active little butterfly that flies a great deal but frequently settles to inspect sources of food; it is especially partial to bird droppings. The males mud-sip along gravel roads during hot weather. At other times, they take up a position on a twig or leaf overhanging a jungle path and wait for females to fly by or simply bask in the sun with wings partly open.

Early stages
The larvae feed on Ziziphus spp. 

Previous  |  Next

Danaidae | Satyridae | Amathusiidae | Nymphalidae | Acraeidea | Libytheidae | Riodinidae | Lycaenidae | Pieridae | Papilionidae | Hesperidae