First identified in Auckland (Waiheke Island) in November 1965. Believed to have flown/blown here so considered a native.
Family
Lycaenidae
Biostatus
Native
Host Plant
Broad beans (Vicia faba), broom (Cytisus spp), gorse (Ulex spp), lupins (Lupinus spp), peas (Pisum sativum), Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus), tree lucerne (Chamaecytisus palmensis) and rattlepod (Crotalaria spp).
Egg
Individually on flower buds or open flowers. Pale greenish-grey changing to blue-white. 7 days.
Larva
Pale yellow changing to a green/pink/brown depending on host plant. 3-4 weeks.
Pupa
Variable, sometimes green-brown through to pink-brown. 2 weeks to a year. 8-10 mm long.
Adult/Imago
Rapid, jerky flight close to the ground.
Wingspan
20-36 mm
Range
Open country.
Distribution
