Ancyra Blue

Catopyrops ancyra

Details
Family : Lycaenidae
Subfamily : Lycaeninae
Genus : Catopyrops ancyra
Common Name : Ancyra Blue
Wingspan : 24mm
Hostplant(s) : Pipturus argenteus (Native Mulberry)
Trema tomentosa (Poison Peach)

Description
First encountered at Pulau Ubin by one of the ButterflyCircle members in end 2004, and later identified as the Catopyrops ancyra. The butterfly survives well and has became a resident at some spots of the island.

In 2006 the species started appearing on the western edge of the CCA . In 2007 the frequent encounter of this species on bush land west of Bukit Batok area suggested that it has sucessfully migrated further west and established itselfs well on Singapore main Island.

Habitat & Habits
The species is relatively small and a fast flyer, males love to sunbath under the hot sun at higher vantage points amongst the low bush , they will repeatedly return their preferred perches.