Lang's Short-tailed Blue Leptotes pirithous

Photo of Lang's Short-tailed Blue (Leptotes pirithous)

(c) Manuel Naranjo, some rights reserved (CC BY)

OrderButterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera)
FamilyGossamer-winged Butterflies (Lycaenidae)
GenusZebra Blues (Leptotes)

Despite being known by two different common names—Lang's short-tailed blue and common zebra blue—this little butterfly is unmistakable once you know what to look for. The 'short-tailed' part refers to distinctive tail-like projections on the hindwings, while the 'zebra blue' name comes from the striking stripe patterns decorating the wings. Found across Asia and Australia, these delicate Lycaenidae butterflies are among the most graceful insects in their range.

Think you can identify this one in the wild?

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