So Beautiful Powdered Oakblue Butterfly

Powdered Oakblue Butterfly: A Shimmering Forest Jewel
The Powdered Oakblue butterfly is one of the many enchanting members of the Lycaenidae family, often referred to as the “blues” due to their characteristic iridescent coloration. Found primarily in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, this butterfly is prized among lepidopterists and nature enthusiasts for its subtle beauty, fascinating behavior, and ecological significance. Let’s explore this delicate creature in greater detail.
Taxonomy and Classification
Scientific Name: Arhopala bazaloides
Common Name: Powdered Oakblue
Family: Lycaenidae
Genus: Arhopala
The genus Arhopala contains over 200 species, commonly known as oakblues, which are widespread across South and Southeast Asia. The Powdered Oakblue is a lesser-known but charming member of this genus.
Distribution and Habitat
The Powdered Oakblue is distributed across parts of:
India
Sri Lanka
Myanmar
Thailand
Malaysia
Indonesia
This butterfly prefers evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, often seen fluttering in the lower and middle canopies of trees. They thrive in moist, shady areas, especially in the presence of their larval host plants, typically oak and other related species.
Physical Appearance
The Powdered Oakblue, like many in the Arhopala genus, exhibits sexual dimorphism, although the differences are often subtle.
Upperside:Males show a soft, metallic bluish to violet-blue hue, often with a frosted or "powdered" look, which gives the butterfly its common name.
Females are generally duller, sometimes with broad brownish or grayish borders around the blue.