Erina acasta (Blotched Dusky-blue)
06/01/2024
Blackheath
06/01/2024
Blackheath
06/01/2024
Blackheath
06/01/2024
Blackheath
07/12/2019
Bell
04/12/2022
Bell
04/12/2022
Bell
03/03/2019
Bell
04/12/2022
Bell
22/11/2014
Blackheath
18/01/2009
Glenbrook
07/12/2019
Bell
27/10/2008
Lesmurdie, WA
29/09/2013
Glenbrook
29/09/2013
Glenbrook
26/01/2008
Blackheath
05/02/2005
Lithgow
15/12/2007
Hazelbrook
05/02/2005
Lithgow
05/02/2005
Lithgow
05/02/2005
Lithgow
27/11/2004
Lawson
08/08/2004
Ingleburn
14/08/2004
Ingleburn
Synonyms
This species was previously classified as Candalides acasta
Other Common Names
Blotched Blue
Notes
The first time I found this species I only saw it because one landed on my shoe. It quickly flew off, slowly and low to the ground, and I was able to get a photo of it. But only the one photo, as it flew off again and I lost sight of it.
I next found this species at Lawson, in the Blue Mountains, in late November 2004. I saw several specimens on this occasion – generally two of them in any one spot, which was usually shared (or disputed) with Hesperilla crypsargyra.
When I went to Lithgow in February 2005, I found this species to be very common along the top of the hills overlooking the town. They seemed to feel there was safety in numbers, as they were much easier to approach and photograph than I had previously found.
I used to see acasta regularly on hilltops at Blackheath and Bell, but I didn’t see it there for 3 years after the bushfires in early December 2019. It finally reappeared at Bell in December 2022.