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This is a small blue Lycaenidae butterfly. It is also native to India, China, Java, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Malay Peninsula, Borneo and Sumatra. Five sub species have been recognized and the nominate subspecies A.l. lycaenina is found in Sri Lanka and Southern India.
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.
This is a common butterfly that I have seen at Sinharaja, Morapitiya and Nilgala. It is known to occur through out the lowlands. The females lay their eggs on Hinguru Wel (S) Acacia caesia, a species of vine seen commonly at Wilpattu.
In Wilpattu I have seen this species at Pallekandal pitiya.