Spotted Hairtail or Spotted Ciliate Blue

Description:

Anthene larydas is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae. The adults are usually found in quite large numbers - it is not uncommon to find 50 or more males of this species imbibing mineralised moisture from patches of damp ground on hot sunny days. Males perch on low foliage to await passing females. They hold their wings erect in sunny weather but bask with wings half open or fully open in hazy or cloudy conditions. Females are normally seen either basking on the foliage of bushes, or nectaring at flowers.

Habitat:

Murchison River Lodge grounds beside the Albert Nile River in NW Uganda

Notes:

This species is found in relatively open rainforest habitats including along roadsides and the edges of wide trails, and penetrates into the savannah zone where there are patches of forest alongside rivers or streams.