Theclinesthes miskini
Description
The Wattle Blue butterfly is a small butterfly with a wingspan of only 20 mm. Adults are pale blue on their upper side with chequered margins, but females also
have a broad black band around their margins. The underside
of the wings is fawn with several white markings. The butterfly has an eyespot
and tail which creates the appearance of an artificial ‘head’ which is thought to confuse predators. The
caterpillars are usually green to brown in colour with a dark dorsal (upper) band and pale diagonal
streaks. The oval shape of the caterpillar is well camouflaged on the flower
buds and new leaf foliage.
Adaptations
- Secrete a substance which attracts ants which then act as a deterrent to the predators of the caterpillars e.g. mutualism
- Caterpillars are well camouflaged on the foliage of their host plants
Feeding relationships
- What I eat: caterpillars - soap tree, select wattles and eucalypts; adults - nectar
- What eats me: parasitic wasps, spiders, birds, lizards
Interesting facts
The butterfly has an eyespot and tail which creates the appearance of an artificial 'head' which induces predators to attack the wrong end of the butterfly.
Acknowledgement: Coffs Harbour Butterfly House