''Arhopala amantes'', the large oakblue, is a species of

lycaenid Lycaenidae is the second-largest family of butterflies (behind Nymphalidae, brush-footed butterflies), with over 6,000 species worldwide, whose members are also called gossamer-winged butterflies. They constitute about 30% of the known butterfl ...

or blue

butterfly Butterflies are insects in the macrolepidopteran clade Rhopalocera from the Order (biology), order Lepidoptera, which also includes moths. Adult butterflies have large, often brightly coloured wings, and conspicuous, fluttering flight. The ...

found in Asia. ''Arhopala amantes'' is the largest lycaenid. It is surprisingly inconspicuous on the wing despite the brilliant metallic blue markings on its upperside. In the female, the blue scales are restricted to the centre and basal part of both wings; the outer margins are marked by a wide black band.

Description

Ecology

It is a butterfly of the canopy of small trees, occasionally coming down to settle on shrubs and low bushes. It flies about a great deal during the day but often with long periods of resting in between flights. To rest, it usually selects a leaf exposed to full sun at a considerable height above ground. The eggs are laid on the leaves of ''Syzygium'', ''Terminalia'' and ''Hopea'' species. The larvae and pupae are always attended by red ants. It is not endangered.

Gallery

File:Arhopala amantes (6472205581).jpg, Larva File:Arhopala amantes (6472211199).jpg, Pupation File:Arhopala amantes (6472211645).jpg, Chrysalis File:Arhopala amantes (6472211971).jpg, Chrysalis (final stage) File:LARGE OAKBLUE Arhopala amantes at Jayanti, Duars, West Bengal W IMG 5351.jpg, Imago (dorsal view) File:OakBlue.jpg, Imago (lateral view) File:Lankan Large Oakblue..jpg, Dead (Dorsal view) File:Lankan Large Oakblue.jpg, Dead (Lateral view)

References

Arhopala Butterflies of Asia Butterflies described in 1862 Taxa named by William Chapman Hewitson {{Theclinae-stub