Widespread. Flies near its hostplant, a coarse parasitic dodder laurel growing on mallee. Dark purple forms lives in Lower SE.
This butterfly is often placed in the all-encompassing genus Candalides but adult and immature stage morphologies, and larval hostplant preference, indicate it belongs in the more compact genus Erina.
We have updated the site accordingly. Please report any ongoing issues to web@butterflyconservationsa.net.au.
You can learn a lot more about this butterfly on the research-quality website now managed by BCSA, (here)
Key Facts
| Family: | lycaenidae |
| Size (Male): | 27mm |
| Size (Female): | 28mm |
| Mature Larva Length: | 16mm |
| Months of Flight: | jan, feb, mar, apr, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec |
| Abundance: | common |
| Alternate Names: | Western Dusky-blue |
 Download Fact Sheet | |