Candalides heathi (Rayed Blue)

Notes

I first found this species when I observed one being chased off by a territorial male Paralucia aurifera (Bright Copper). I had to follow it for some distance before it settled, but eventually I was able to get a few photos. The following weekend I saw a few examples of this species, including one or two females.

In September 2004 they were very common in areas of short grass where plantains are common. They’re not easy to photograph, as they’re easily disturbed and when they decide to fly off they tend to go a long way.

I’ve found that they can be common in one small area for a year or two, after which they might not appear there for several years, though thorough searching of the surrounding area might result in them being found in another spot.  Most of my photos have been taken at Ingleburn in the late winter or early spring, but at other locations I have occasionally seen them in the summer.

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