I think this should be a Pygmy Grass Blue (Zizula hylax).
This species have been attracted to the Lantana camara in front of my house ever since I planted the plant years ago.
I think this should be a Pygmy Grass Blue (Zizula hylax).
This species have been attracted to the Lantana camara in front of my house ever since I planted the plant years ago.
Cheong Weng Chun
Location: Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
Website: http://www.nature2pixel.com
Email: wengchun@gmail.com
Yes, that's a Pygmy Grass Blue. Lantana is one of the caterpillar host plants of this species, and that's why the butterfly is attracted to it. The adults also feed on the nectar from the flowers.
You got it right. I remember the female always oviposits on the Lantana flowerheads, but I have never seen the cats anywhere.
TL Seow
Cheong Weng Chun
Location: Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
Website: http://www.nature2pixel.com
Email: wengchun@gmail.com
Cheong Weng Chun
Location: Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
Website: http://www.nature2pixel.com
Email: wengchun@gmail.com
We've noticed that the favourite Lantana that attracts more butterflies than the others, is the orange-red variety. The white and yellow ones attract the least, whilst the pink ones are not as good. So if you want to grow Lantana to attract butts, go for the orange-red ones.
Also, the small-leafed cultivars are virtually useless. Go for the big-leafed Lantanas.
Cheong Weng Chun
Location: Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
Website: http://www.nature2pixel.com
Email: wengchun@gmail.com