Zizzeria maha okinawana (pale grass blue)

Family lycaenidae

A common butterfly species living in plains to low to intermediate altitude mountain areas, the adult Zizzeria maha okinawana (pale grass blue) can be seen all year round. Widely distributed, it usually shows up around the lit sidewalks in groups in the city, visiting flowers and gathering nectar with slow flight. The male pale grass blue has water blue wing surfaces, whereas those of the female’s are dark brown. Both sexes have light brown ventral wings with many black spots forming circles. At the center of each circle is a curvy horizontal fine line. The winter-type species have no spots on their bodies. The foodplants of its larvae are lavender Sorrels.

　　Photographed by Wang Chien-de