Species introCountry intro
Imperial hairstreak (Jalmenus evagoras)
Several butterflies were seen within a 50m radius next to a shallow lake. I also found beautifully structured eggs, pupae, ants
In a local nature reserve with a mix of dry sclerophyll woodland and shallow reedy lakes. Gilmour Park
"Jalmenus evagoras exhibit an unusual mating system reflecting its close relationship with Iridomyrmex workers, commonly associating with both Iridomyrmex anceps and Iridomyrmex vincinus. While butterfly larvae and pupae secrete food for the worker ants, the ants in return protect the organism from parasites and predators such as wasps, other ants, reduviids, and spiders." - Wiki
The Imperial Hairstreak or Common Imperial Blue is a small-sized butterfly of the family Lycaenidae. It is found in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. ''Jalmenus eubulus'' was formerly considered a subspecies of ''Jalmenus evagoras''. The wingspan is about 40 mm.
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