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Arid Bronze Azure Butterfly (Orgyris subterrestris)

Photograph: Geoff Walker

Description:

The Arid Bronze Azure Butterfly has a
wing span of about 5cm with a blue tinge above each
wing. The female has an added white spot above the                              
blue tinge which can be seen on either side of the
wing. These butterflies may be seen flying from
September to may with numbers usually peaking in
mid spring and late summer.

This butterfly is most likely to be found in Malleedominated
woodland.

The Arid Azure Bronze Butterfly shares a remarkable
relationship with Sugar ants. The female butterfly
will lay its eggs near a sugar ant’s nest. After hatching,
the larvae will be taken inside the ant nest where
it will then be protected. In return the larvae will
supply the ants with sugary nectar it stores in special
glands on its body. It will eventually leave the nest to
form a cocoon and become an adult.

Conservation Status: Priority One.

Conservation:
This species has disappeared from much of its known
range and is thought to be endangered and in need
of conservation.

If you have seen an Arid Bronze Azure Butterfly or would like more
information, please contact the Department of Environment and
Conservation. Merredin: 9041 2488 Northam 9622 8940