| Common Gem | |
|---|---|
| Poritia hewitsoni Male left, female right. | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Lycaenidae |
| Genus: | Poritia |
| Species: | P. hewitsoni |
| Binomial name | |
| Poritia hewitsoni (Moore, 1865) |
|
The Common Gem (Poritia hewitsoni)[1] is a small butterfly found in India, Myanmar[2], Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam[3] that belongs to the Lycaenids or Blues family.
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It ranges along the Himalayas from Kumaon to Assam in India and onto Myanmar[2]. Recorded from Mangan and Rangpo in Sikkim[4][5].
A small butterfly, 31 to 38 mm wingspan. Male - Upper dark iridescent blue, usually with sub-marginal and apical spots. The cell on UPF is entirely devoid of blue or with a minute blue spot at the base in some cases. Males also have a tufted brand on the upper HW above vein 7. The underside is brown with variable pale lineation. Females - Brown above, with a few blue spots. The upper forewing has a yellow discal patch above blue area.[4][5].
The butterfly has five subspecies in South Asia[2] :-
The Common Gem is a butterfly found flying high in the lowland jungles. The males tend to fly rapidly and settle on leaves[4]. Occurs in Sikkim in October and November. The tufted brand on the male hind-wing has a discernible, distinct odour[5].
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