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Discolampa

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Discolampa
Discolampa ethion ulyssides
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Lycaenidae
Subfamily: Polyommatinae
Tribe: Polyommatini
Genus: Discolampa
Toxopeus, 1929

Discolampa is a genus of butterflies in the family Lycaenidae. The genus ranges from Sri Lanka to New Guinea.

Family

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Lycaenidae, commonly known as the blues or gossamer-winged butterflies.[1]

Distribution

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They are found in Southeast Asia, ranging from Sri Lanka to New Guinea.[1]

Appearance

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  • Size: They are likely small to medium-sized butterflies, though specific measurements are difficult to find.
  • Banded Blue Pierrot (Discolampa ethion): This is the best-documented species. It has:
    • Upper wings: Dark blue with a broad white band across the middle. The inner and outer edges of the white band are edged with black. The base and edges of the wings are also black.
    • Underside: Mostly white with black markings that resemble ribbons and spots.
    • Body: Black head, antennae, thorax, and abdomen. The palpi (mouthparts) have a white stripe down the middle.
  • Other species (Discolampa albula & Discolampa ilissus): Information on their appearance is scarce, but they are likely to be similarly small with blue or brown upper wings and potentially white markings.

Behavior

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  • Diet: Like most Lycaenidae butterflies, Discolampa larvae likely feed on the leaves of specific leguminous plants (plants with bean-like seedpods).
  • Habitat: They are found in Southeast Asian forests, particularly in areas with good tree cover.
  • Flight: Specific flight patterns are unknown, but Lycaenidae butterflies are typically weak fliers and prefer short, flitting movements.

Species

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There are only three known species in the Discolampa genus:

References

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  1. ^ a b "Discolampa ethion (Westwood, [1851]) - Banded Blue Pierrot | Butterfly". www.ifoundbutterflies.org. Retrieved 2024-07-08.
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