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This uncommon fast flying Lycaenidae butterfly can be found throughout the lowlands up to mid hills. It is native to India and Sri Lanka.

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.

The Red Spot is a very fast flying butterfly that is usually found flying in the high canopy. I have seen this species on a few occasions at Nawadankulama. The caterpillars of this species have established a symbiotic relationship with the Weaver Ants Oecophylla smaragdina commonly known as “Dimiya” in Sinhala. These ants which are well known for their vicioius bite will attend to the larva and protect them from any predators. In return for this favour the caterpillars will periodically produce a sweet liquid that the ants love to feed. The Red Spots lay their eggs on a number of native and introduced species of flora including Tannaers Cassia “Ranawara” Senna auriculata, Golden Shower “Ehela” Cassia fistula, Ceylon Senna “Rathu Wa” Cassia roxburghii, Red Honey Suckle Mistletoe “Pilila” Dendropthoe falcata, Mouluccan Albizia “Rata Mara” Falcataria moluccana, “Damaniya” Grewia damine, Guava “Pera” Psidium guajava, Vegitable Hummingbird “Kathurumurunga” Sesbania grandiflora and Arjuna Tree “Kumbuk” Terminalia arjuna.

This is not a regularly seen butterfly in Wilpattu but is found throughout the park.