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Theclinesthes serpentata
This tiny butterfly seemed even smaller than the grass blues like Zizina labradus. Length estimated at about 9mm.
Resting on a school wall at night near very strong lights.
The genus has closely related species in an active process of speciation. Worth the time reading here... http://users.sa.chariot.net.au/~rbg/albo... Thanks martinl for ID.
I suspect that I've misidentified this and believe now it is Theclinesthes serpentata, the saltbush blue (AKA Chequered blue. These are closer to being in your range, as albocincta ranges mainly west and to Adelaide. http://users.sa.chariot.net.au/~rbg/serp...
The male that I saw in a reference photograph didn't match very well. I just found a reference that illustrates the verso wing dimorphism nicely.
http://lepidoptera.butterflyhouse.com.au...
Best indications of gender are usually top wing colors and posterior body view. Man, as I'm explaining this I'm thinking of several exceptions. Welcome to biology where the rule is 'there's no universal rule'
Thanks for that Martin. What would indicate female here? Not the haughty posture surely... must be those gorgeous eyes.
There are several races but I don't study Lycenidae. I think you have a female.
Spotted on Oct 21, 2013
Submitted on Oct 21, 2013
+1
