Woodlands Historic Park Insects

Saltbush Blue Butterfly (Theclinesthes serpentata serpentata) at Woodlands Historic Park
Saltbush Blue Butterfly, early February

Wingspan: 18 mm

See also underside of wings.

As the name implies, the caterpillars of this small butterfly feed on saltbush, 3 native species of which are fairly common in the park.

Classification

from Australian Faunal Directory

Order Lepidoptera - Moths and Butterflies, 10855 named species in Australia
Family LYCAENIDAE - Blues, Coppers and Hairstreaks, 157 species in Australia
Genus Theclinesthes (6 Species and 9 sub-species in Australia)
Species Theclinesthes serpentata serpentata