Slate Flash 150510

Rapala manea chozeba

Details
Family : Lycaenidae
Subfamily : Lycaeninae
Genus : Rapala
Common Name : Slate Flash, 燕灰蝶
Wingspan : mm
Hostplant(s) : Lantana camara (Common Lantana, Tick Berry)

Description
Rapala manea chozeba is one of the three species in the region's Varuna group, which is characterised by a trident mark in the forewing. In Rapala manea chozeba, the male has deep blue shot uppersides whilst the females are a lighter blue.

The undersides are pale brown, and this species can be separated from the almost similar-looking Rapala varuna orseis by the narrower post-discal band in Rapala manea chozeba.

Habitat & Habits
The butterfly is usually a rapid flyer but can often be captured when it stops to rest or to feed at flowering plants. The female shown here was a recently-hatched specimen which was photographed at the Kranji Marshes area.

Source: ButterflyCircle