Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops)

There's something truly special about spotting a red-banded hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops). This beautiful Blue butterfly, native to the southeastern United States, is a member of the hairstreak (Theclinae) subfamily and is known for its incredibly fast flight.

While they may not be the most common sight, the thrill of encountering one makes the search worthwhile. Their quick, darting movements are a challenge to follow, but when you do catch a glimpse, the sight is simply stunning. The brilliant flash of red against their wings is a memorable sight, a brief but beautiful encounter with a true jewel of our natural world. I feel so lucky to have seen one right outside my apartment.

Reakirt's Blue (Echinargus isola)

Reakirt's Blue (Echinargus isola) is a small butterfly that can be found fluttering gracefully in various regions across North America. It belongs to the monotypic genus Echinargus belonging to the Lycaenidae family of butterflies. Its mesmerizing wings span just under an inch, adorned with a delicate blue hue that captures the essence of tranquility. Despite its unassuming size, this species possesses an undeniable charm that draws the attention of nature enthusiasts and researchers alike.

Reakirt's Blue is native to the western parts of the United States all the way to Nicaragua, primarily dwelling in open grasslands, meadows, and prairies. I met this butterfly in California for the first time feeding on the flowers of White Trailing Iceplant (Delosperma litorale).

• 
  

Zebra Blue Butterflies (Leptotes)

Genus Leptotes in the butterfly family Licaenidae is group of species with intricate patterns on their underwings. Linnaeus encountered this genus and described as Papilio pirithous in 1767 in his Systema naturae. Later Scudder grouped two American species into genus Leptotes. Worldwide there are now about 25 species in this genus, distributed mainly in Afro-tropical and Neo-tropical regions, but the lone Indo-Australian species placement is a bit uncertain.

So far I met four species of these group. The first one is obviously the Indo-Australian species: Leptotes plinius or the Zebra Blue. This was in India, however it has a very wide distribution. I have interacted with this butterfly numerous times.   

Second species of the group that I have met is Leptotes cassius or the Cassius Blue. This species is distributed in Florida and Texas all the way down to South America. This butterfly can be seen around Plumbago or few other Fabaceae plants. 

The third species is Leptotes pirithous or the Lang's Short-tailed Blue, who I met in Haifa, Israel. When I saw both these species in Florida and Israel, I thought, "Oh the Indian species is here too," but then I found out that they are all actually different species which look very similar.

The fourth one I met recently in California. This is the Marine Blue (Leptotes marina) which is distributed more on western USA and Mexico. 

Ceraunus Blue (Hemiargus ceraunus)

Ceraunus blue (Hemiargus ceraunus) is a butterfly in the Lycaenidae family. It is found in the southwestern United States, southern Texas, Florida.

Like most Lycaenidae members, the upperside of the males is light blue with a darker narrow border. Female are dark brown, often with blue wing bases.

The larvae feed on the flowers and seedpods of various woody legumes like Cassia and Abrus. Adults feed on flower nectar.

Madagascar Black-Eye (Leptomyrina phidias)

Madagascar Black-Eye (Leptomyrina phidias) is a butterfly in the Lycaenidae family. It is found on Madagascar and Réunion. The habitat consists of rocky areas with rupicolous vegetation (growing on rocks) and anthropogenic environments.

I met this beauty in Andasibe Mantadia region. It was nice sunny morning with few showers here and there. After one such shower sun started shining and on the narrow rocky path, by side, I noticed this settling on fern for basking. It let me approach near and take a few pictures, but used to take off and settle near by again on fern.

References:

• Leptomyrina phidias
• iNaturalist record

Apefly (Spalgis epeus)

The Apefly (Spalgis epeus), is a small butterfly found in Asia that belongs to the lycaenids or the blues. It gets its common name due to resemblance of the pupa to face of Ape. Only one species in this genus is commonly encountered in India, though there is one more species described from Assam. The caterpillars feed on scale insects.