Zizina otis lampa (Lesser Grass Blue)

The Lesser Grass Blue is rather common and can sometimes be abundant in localised areas.  It is a small butterfly and is usually found flying close to the ground in open sunlit grassy patches.  The male is dull purplish blue above whilst the female is brown.  The underside is grey with a series of small dark spots on the fore- and hindwings.   The butterfly is more often observed outside the nature reserves, in suburban areas where the host plant, Mimosa pudica (Touch-Me-Not/Sensitive Plant) can be found growing as a weed.  As it is so small, it is often overlooked as it flutters feebly amongst the roadside weeds, searching out small flowers as it feeds.

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