Candalides consimilis goodingi (Tindale, 1965), Dark Pencilled-blue

General Description

Above: dark blue with black margin (males) or dull black with central white patches, covered with blue scales (females). Below: silvery white with delicate grey markings. Wingspan up to 3 cm.

Biology

Male Dark Pencilled-blues defend territory on the host plant Elderberry Panax, Polyscias sambucifolia. To attract females, males release pheromones from a patch of special scales on their wings. Females lay eggs singly in the base of young flower buds and this is the first food for the emerging larvae.

Distribution

East coast Australia, eastern Victoria where there is suitable habitat.

Habitat

Tall wet open forests.