Eirmocides absimilis (Common Pencil-blue)
Synonyms
This species was previously classified as Candalides absimilis
Other Common Names
Glistening Pencil-blue
Notes
I started seeing this species around North Sydney in September 2004. The males mostly flew around trees on hill tops, generally too high for me to be able to get photos, apart from the day I didn’t have my camera with me (of course!).
The females sometimes settled low down, making them easier to photograph.
In October and November 2004 I saw a lot of these butterflies in the Royal Botanic Gardens. As usual, they were mainly flitting around trees. Occasionally a female would land lower down, so I was able to get a couple of pictures. I also photographed a male feeding from some Hebe flowers.
Sightings
North Sydney and Waverton – September, October, November 2004
Royal Botanic Gardens – October, November, December 2004; February 2005