Powdered Oakblue Butterfly So Cute

Powdered Oakblu: A Dazzling Jewel of the Forest Canopy
The Powdered Oakblue is a small but resplendent butterfly belonging to the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as the blues. With its shimmering wings and elusive nature, this butterfly captivates lepidopterists and nature lovers alike. Found in the tropical and subtropical forests of South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and parts of the Malay Peninsula, the Powdered Oakblue exemplifies the beauty and biodiversity of forest ecosystems.
Taxonomy and Classification
Scientific Name: Arhopala bazaloides
Common Name: Powdered Oakblue
Family: Lycaenidae
Genus: Arhopala
The genus Arhopala is notable for its dazzlingly iridescent butterflies, often difficult to distinguish without close inspection due to their subtle differences. The Powdered Oakblue is one of over 200 species in this genus, making it part of one of the most species-rich butterfly groups in Asia.
Appearance and Identification
The Powdered Oakblue, like its name suggests, has a soft, powdered shimmer on its upper wing surfaces. Males typically display a lustrous blue or purplish-blue sheen, which varies slightly depending on lighting and angle—an iridescent trait common to many in the Lycaenid family. The female is less vividly colored, often exhibiting a more subdued blue bordered by brownish or dark edges.
Wingspan: Approximately 30–35 mm.
Forewing: Bluish or purplish with dark outer margins.
Hindwing: Features a series of small tail-like extensions and sometimes minute eye spots near the tornus, which may act as a decoy for predators.
The underside of the wings is more cryptic, patterned with fine brown, grey, and white lines that help the butterfly camouflage itself against tree bark and foliage.
Habitat and Distribution
The Powdered Oakblue is primarily a denizen of forested habitats:
Preferred Habitat: Evergreen and deciduous forests, forest edges, and secondary growth.
Altitude Range: From lowland forests up to montane zones.
Distribution: India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and parts of Indonesia.