Theclinesthes albocincta

Theclinesthes albocincta (Waterhouse, 1903)
(previously known as : Utica albocincta)
Bitter-Bush Blue
POLYOMMATINI , POLYOMMATINAE , LYCAENIDAE

Don Herbison-Evans ( donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
&
Stella Crossley

(updated 17 June 2008)

(Photo: courtesy of R.P. Field, Museum Victoria)

This caterpillar is green or brown with a broad pink dorsal stripe with white borders. The caterpillar grows to a length of about 1 cm. It is often attended by a variety of ants. The caterpillars feed on a number of plants, including :

Bitterbush ( Adriana tomentosa ), and

Rare Bitterbush ( Adriana quadripartita ),

all of EUPHORBIACEAE.

Female
(Photo: courtesy of Museum Victoria)

The adults are bluish-grey on top with chequered margins. Underneath, they are pale brown. with wriggly white lines. The hind wings each have a small tail. The males have a black spot on the upper side of each hind wing, beside the tail. The butterflies have a wing span of about 2 cms.

Male
(Photo: courtesy of Museum Victoria)

The species occurs over most of Australia, including Victoria, as well as South Australia, and Western Australia.