Allotinus unicolor unicolor (Lesser Darkie)

This species belongs to a genus of butterflies in which the caterpillar stage is "carnivorous".  The caterpillars of Allotinus unicolor unicolor feed mainly on aphids but also sometimes on coccids, psyllids and membracids.  Occasionally several individuals are observed in a particular location in the nature reserves, only to disappear for several years and not seen again.  Then it appears in some other location in numbers again.   The butterfly is reddish brown on the upperside with a variable underside.  Typically, the undersides are greyish brown with darker brown markings.  The males have a more pointed forewing than the females, and possess a brand on the upperside of the forewings.  The females have their hindwings dentately sinuate, as is seen in this photo. The butterfly has a weak and erratic flight and appear to fly non-stop for several minutes around a limited area.  However, when it does stop to rest on a leaf, usually with its wings folded upright, the careful observer can approach it for a closer look without scaring it into flight.

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