Kingdom Animalia Class Insecta Family Lycaenidae Scientific name Spindasis vulcanus | Phylum Arthropoda Order Lepidoptera Genus Cigaritis Rank Species | |
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Similar Spindasis, Cigaritis lohita, Spindasis ictis, Tarucus nara, Curetis thetis | ||
Cigaritis vulcanus, the common silverline, is a species of lycaenid or blue butterfly found in Asia.
Contents
Description
The wingspan is 26–34 mm.
Distribution
These butterflies are found in Sri Lanka, India, central Thailand and Java. In India, the species has been spotted in the territories of Maharashtra, Orissa, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Male
It is very easily distinguishable from its similar species simply because it is the smallest. The uppersides of the wings of both sexes are dark grey brown to slate. It lacks the obvious brightest blue, which is only visible in an oblique light. The upper surface on the underside hindwing, the central band is more separated from the outer band than in any other species, making the yellow area much wider and a distinctive feature.
In some the upperside forewing orange bands are either weak or absent. The hindwing is bordered with a similar streak along the termen. The upperside of the forewing has bands which are reddish orange. The 3rd is bifurcate but long and the 4th has two silver spots.
Female
It is similar as the male. There is a long orange marginal band on the upperside of the hindwing which is easily distinguishable from its similar species.
Habitat
Their numbers peak during the south-west and north-east monsoons. It inhabits scrub land with sparse vegetation, hedge rows, scrub jungles and secondary forest.
Habits
They are difficult to disturb when nectaring on flowers but are able to fly fast erratically. Even when disturbed they return to the same spot a moment later. Mainly, they are found near their host plants.
Food plants
The larvae feed on jujube, Zizyphus rugosa, Lxora longifolia, Clerodendrum siphomanthus, C. inerme, Allophylus cobbe, Ixora chinensis and Canthium parviflorum.