 This
common Lycaenid feeds on the young shoots of the ornamental Sago Palm (Cycas
revoluta) and other Cycas species. In Singapore, they are sometimes
considered a pest as they destroy the Cycad palms which are prized plants
in ornamental horticulture. The Cycas are rather slow-growing and
the caterpillars of this butterfly feeds on the immature shoots of the
palms. The attacks then leave the plants with old leaves but without
new growth.
The butterflies can often be seen
at the entrance courtyard of the Singapore Botanic Gardens gateway where
a pair of Cycas rumphii flank the entrance to the courtyard.
The butterflies are a testimony that insecticides are not used in SBG.
The upperside of the male is
light blue with narrow black markings, whilst the female has broader borders
and is paler. The average wingspan of the butterfly is 13-15mm. There is
a short white-tipped tail on each hindwing.  |
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