Very strong and gusty wind today dislodged a butterfly from the treetops where it must have recently emerged from it pupae as the wings were not fully expanded. It was not able to fly but was happy to stay on a twig for photos as it waited.
The underside of the wings show beautiful earth colours that were almost iridescent in the sunlight. The upperwing colour is an iridescent deep purple, but I could not get a photo of the open wings.
There are quite a number of "Blues" and it was quite difficult to get the ID but I am fairly confident the it is a male Dark Purple Azure Ogyris abrata whose caterpillars feed on mistletoe species.
What a beautiful butterfly - lovely photos - thanks so much for posting the pictures :)
ReplyDeleteThe colours don't show up in the photos as much as in real life but still quite stunning.
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