Philiris innotatus

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(Purple Moonbeam, Common Moonbeam)

FAMILY

Lycaenidae

Species

Philiris innotatus

Common name(s)

Purple Moonbeam, Common Moonbeam

Main colour(s)

Purple

Distinctive feature

Wingspan 22/24 mm

Campus

Townsville

Description

The larvae of this species feed on several species of Ficus particularly Ficus opposita, (sandpaper fig). Larvae only occasionally attended by ants. Mature larvae have a green body with a white line, pale yellow markings and lateral hairs: head yellow to green. Adults purple with a brown to black outer margin, some white on hind wing; lower surface basically white with some small black spots.