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Common Name : Pea Blue     -       Scientific Name : Lampides boeticus       -       Other Name : Long-tailed Blue (E), Sirasiya (S)
Wilpattu

This species which belongs to the Lycaenidae family can be seen throughout the lowlands up to the highest hills including the Horton Plains National Park. The Pea Blue has a wide global distribution and occurs in Europe, Africa, Asia, New Zealand and Australia

The conservation status of this species is regarded as “Least Concerned” (National Red List 2012).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

I have seen this species throughout the lowlands and in the hills wherever the rattlepod plants are in bloom. The larva of this species feed on the flowers of its host. The rattle pod species on which the females lay eggs include the Bird Flower “Yak Beriya” Crotalaria laburnifolia, Smooth Rattlepod “Andanahiriya” Crotalaria pallida, Blue Rattlepod “Nil Andanahiriya”.

In Wilpattu I have seen this species always around the Rattlepod plants which are in bloom. They are found throughout the park.