Philiris innotatus

(Purple Moonbeam, Common Moonbeam)
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FAMILY |
Lycaenidae |
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Species |
Philiris innotatus |
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Common name(s) |
Purple Moonbeam, Common Moonbeam |
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Main colour(s) |
Purple |
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Distinctive feature |
Wingspan 22/24 mm |
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Campus |
Townsville |
Description
The larvae of this species feed on several species of Ficus particularly Ficus opposita, (sandpaper fig). Larvae only occasionally attended by ants. Mature larvae have a green body with a white line, pale yellow markings and lateral hairs: head yellow to green. Adults purple with a brown to black outer margin, some white on hind wing; lower surface basically white with some small black spots.