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Butterfly & Ants feeding on Aphids This is a subspecies, Allotinus fallax fallax.<br />
When I first spotted it, I had originally thought the Butterfly was under &#039;attack&#039; by the ants but on closer look, I realised both the Ants and Butterfly were feeding from tiny Aphids.<br />
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In the picture, although not very sharp, you can see the proboscis of the Butterfly extended and is feeding from the back of the tiny Aphid.<br />
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Feedback from another forum, Philippine Lepidoptera mentioned this :<br />
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A species which belongs to a genus of butterflies in which the caterpillar stage is &quot;carnivorous&quot;. The caterpillars feed mainly on aphids but also sometimes on coccids, psyllids and membracids. As adults they feed on the secretion directly from the backs of the membracids. Allotinus fallax,Allotinus fallax fallax,Bayabas,Benguet,Fall,Geotagged,Philippines Click/tap to enlarge Species introCountry intro

Butterfly & Ants feeding on Aphids

This is a subspecies, Allotinus fallax fallax.
When I first spotted it, I had originally thought the Butterfly was under 'attack' by the ants but on closer look, I realised both the Ants and Butterfly were feeding from tiny Aphids.

In the picture, although not very sharp, you can see the proboscis of the Butterfly extended and is feeding from the back of the tiny Aphid.

Feedback from another forum, Philippine Lepidoptera mentioned this :

A species which belongs to a genus of butterflies in which the caterpillar stage is "carnivorous". The caterpillars feed mainly on aphids but also sometimes on coccids, psyllids and membracids. As adults they feed on the secretion directly from the backs of the membracids.

    comments (4)

  1. I've never seen a butterfly do this, very interesting! Posted 8 years ago
    1. Yes, same for me. I didn't think this was normal and my friends at Philippine Lepidoptera were very happy with this observation, for their records :) Posted 8 years ago
  2. Very well imaged so. Top done. Posted 8 years ago
    1. Thanks, Mike :) Posted 8 years ago

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''Allotinus fallax'' is a butterfly in the Lycaenidae family. It is found in Asia.

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

By Albert Kang

All rights reserved
Uploaded Jun 4, 2017. Captured Sep 23, 2014 16:36 in Asin Rd, Tuba, Benguet, Philippines.
  • NIKON D5200
  • f/36.0
  • 1/200s
  • ISO400
  • 55mm