Blue on the water

A splash of purple on the surface of the bird bath caught my attention and closer examination showed a butterfly spread out and in need of rescue. However the opportunity for a photo was the price , so a quick snap and then the rescue.

I was reasonably confident of the identification but a check confirmed it to be a male Pencilled Blue Candalides absimilis, which has very different colouring and markings compared to the female (see sept 08 2011). A relatively small butterfly with a wingspan of around 3cm which range from north Queensland to Eastern Victoria.

Following the rescue it rested contentedly on the paving, until dry and warm before taking to the wing.