Arhopala amantes

Large Oakblue
at Jayanti in Buxa Tiger Reserve in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, India.
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Lycaenidae
Genus: Arhopala
Species: A. amantes
Binomial name
Arhopala amantes
(Hewitson, 1862)
Synonyms

Amblypodia amantes

The Large Oakblue, Arhopala amantes is a species of lycaenid or blue butterfly found in Asia. Arhopala amantes is largest lycanid in Sri Lanka.It's surprisingly inconspicuous on the wing despite the brilliant metallic blue markings on its upper side. In the female, the blue scales are restricted to the center and basal part of both wings; the outer margins are marked by a wide black band. 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 spp.The larvae and pupae are always attended by red ants.

It is not endangered.

Gallery

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