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Lampides boeticus - Pea blue The top view of hairstreaks is notoriously difficult to obtain as they tend to keep their wings tight together, to maximize the effect of the false antennae.<br />
<br />
After collecting all my standard images, I applied the trick of lightly blowing on the back of the butterfly. Occasionally this strategy works, and I get a brief photo opportunity. More often, the butterfly is gone, but I have my shots in the can.<br />
<br />
Location is Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Alongside a stream and paddy fields.<br />
<figure class="photo"><a href="https://www.jungledragon.com/image/39351/lampides_boeticus_-_pea_blue.html" title="Lampides boeticus - Pea blue"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.jungledragon.com/images/2784/39351_thumb.JPG?AWSAccessKeyId=05GMT0V3GWVNE7GGM1R2&Expires=1759968010&Signature=%2BWkD6%2BbLC8QYa68WbN7KEWK7Mjs%3D" width="200" height="200" alt="Lampides boeticus - Pea blue Hairstreaks have evolved a very clever defence strategy. The have two hairs at the rear end that imitate antennae, and they can even be moved and waggled. The butterfly also have an ocelli or two which add to the illusion that the meaty end is the rear end.<br />
<br />
This strategy really works well. I have images of three specimens, two of which, the rear end has been bitten off by predators, leaving the butterfly still able to function. All three are shown in this series, see the links below.<br />
<br />
Location is Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Alongside a stream and paddy fields.<br />
https://www.jungledragon.com/image/39352/bf_hairstreak_5058.html<br />
https://www.jungledragon.com/image/39350/09_bf_522.html<br />
https://www.jungledragon.com/image/39353/bf_hairstreak_8664.html Bandung,Geotagged,Indonesia,Java,Lampides boeticus,Peablue or Long-tailed Blue,West Java,Winter,butterfly,hair streak,hairstreak,pea blue" /></a></figure> Bandung,Geotagged,Indonesia,Java,Lampides boeticus,Peablue or Long-tailed Blue,West Java,Winter,butterfly,hair streak,hairstreak,pea blue Click/tap to enlarge

Lampides boeticus - Pea blue

The top view of hairstreaks is notoriously difficult to obtain as they tend to keep their wings tight together, to maximize the effect of the false antennae.

After collecting all my standard images, I applied the trick of lightly blowing on the back of the butterfly. Occasionally this strategy works, and I get a brief photo opportunity. More often, the butterfly is gone, but I have my shots in the can.

Location is Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Alongside a stream and paddy fields.

Lampides boeticus - Pea blue Hairstreaks have evolved a very clever defence strategy. The have two hairs at the rear end that imitate antennae, and they can even be moved and waggled. The butterfly also have an ocelli or two which add to the illusion that the meaty end is the rear end.<br />
<br />
This strategy really works well. I have images of three specimens, two of which, the rear end has been bitten off by predators, leaving the butterfly still able to function. All three are shown in this series, see the links below.<br />
<br />
Location is Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Alongside a stream and paddy fields.<br />
https://www.jungledragon.com/image/39352/bf_hairstreak_5058.html<br />
https://www.jungledragon.com/image/39350/09_bf_522.html<br />
https://www.jungledragon.com/image/39353/bf_hairstreak_8664.html Bandung,Geotagged,Indonesia,Java,Lampides boeticus,Peablue or Long-tailed Blue,West Java,Winter,butterfly,hair streak,hairstreak,pea blue

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"Lampides boeticus", the pea blue, or long-tailed blue, is a small butterfly that belongs to the lycaenids or gossamer-winged family.

Similar species: Moths And Butterflies
Species identified by Vodkaman
View Vodkaman's profile

By Vodkaman

All rights reserved
Uploaded Jun 7, 2016. Captured Jul 21, 2012 10:20 in Jl. Lavender No.8, Ciwaruga, Parongpong, Kabupaten Bandung Barat, Jawa Barat, Indonesia.
  • NIKON D7000
  • f/8.0
  • 10/12500s
  • ISO640
  • 105mm