Lampides boeticus, the pea blue, or long-tailed blue, is a small butterfly that belongs to the lycaenids or gossamer-winged family. The Latin species name boeticus refers to Baetica, a province of the Roman Empire in the Iberian Peninsula . Its common name refers to the long streamers on its hind wings, the male’s bright iridescent blue colour, and peas, which is the typical host plant of the butterfly.
This species inhabits the edge of forests, mountain meadows and hot flowery places.
Seen here sitting on its larval host plant Crotalaria pallida (Smooth Rattlepod) belonging to pea family.
Shot in Coorg, Sep 2025 â’¸ Dr.Bishan Monnappa.
