Lesser Grass Blue

Description:

Lycaenidae; Lycaeninae; Polyommatini; Zizina otis oriens Butler, 1883. When I am taking photos of Polyommatini butterflies, I am always hoping to get a dorsal picture with wings full open, but that is not always possible and I usually have to settle for partially open wings. Today, however, there was a strong breeze which forced the butterfly to close its wings immediately on landing, to avoid being blown away. So, there was no chance of even a glimpse of the amazing powder-blue which gives the Polyommatini its common name, the "Blues"

Habitat:

Spotted in our backyard.