Arhopala centaurus
(Purple oak-blue, Dull oak-blue)
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FAMILY |
Lycaenidae |
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Species |
Arhopala centaurus |
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Common name(s) |
Purple oak-blue, Dull oak-blue |
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Main colour(s) |
Purple |
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Distinctive feature |
Wingspan 42/42 mm |
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Campus |
Townsville |
Description
The larvae of this species feed on a variety of plants e.g. Terminalia spp., Corymbia ptychocarpa, Corymbia tessellaris and Lagerostroemia speciosa an introduced species. Green tree ants, Oecophylla smaragdina attend the larvae. Mature larvae 25 mm long, body dull green with broad irregular reddish-green band together with white and yellow lines. Adults shiny purple with brown-black outer margins, hind wing has a black tail; lower surface dull brown with darker brown markings often with a purplish sheen, black spot on hind wing near the tail.
