#theclinesthes

[rattyexplores]

Cycad-feeding grubs

If ever find insect damage on your Cycads, look closely. There might be an army of caterpillars feasting on it! However, if left undisturbed, these caterpillars will become beautiful Gossamer-winged butterflies ❤

Specimen - Unidentified, Genus Theclinesthes

Foodplant - Unidentified, Class Cycadopsida

20/12/22

[drhoz]

#2958 - Theclinesthes serpentata - Saltbush Blue

A fair number, fluttering around a single small bush hundreds of meters offshore on the end of a spit, despite the howling wind.

Also known as the chequered blue.

The caterpillars feed on halophytes including Atriplex, Einadia, Rhagodia and Chenopodium, and the Whitewood Atalaya hemiglauca, and are usually tended by small ants.

Common across most of Australia.

Woodman Point, Perth, WA.