Butterflies ‹‹ Go Back

Common Name : Lime Blue     -       Scientific Name : Chilades lajus       -       Other Name : Dehi Neelaya (S)
Kali Villu
08/31/2013
Kali Villu
08/31/2013
Hunuwilagama
03/25/2005

This is a small Lycaenidae butterfly that is found throughout the oriental region. The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012) and it is protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

This species is found throughout the country from the highest hills to the coast and is found in the dry as well as the wet zone. I have found it to be common in Nawadankulama, Anawilundawa, Puttalam and Mannar in the dry zone and at locations such as Morapitiya, Colombo and Galle in the wet zone.

The host plants of this butterfly are Wood Apple Limonia acidissima, Lime Citrus aurantifolia, Yaki Naran Atalantia ceylanica and Oranges Citrus sinensis.

This is a butterfly that will visit most home gardens in Colombo if the host plants are made available and leave them devoid of insecticides and pesticides.

In Wilpattu this butterfly is common throughout the park.  I was able to capture the above images at Kumbuk Wila resting area and at the Kali Villu bungalow premises.