Theclinesthes serpentata
From IffaWiki
(Saltbush blue)
This is a very very early draft.
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[edit] Description
The adult is a tiny bluish butterfly likely to be found wherever foodplants (species of Einadia, Atriplex and other species of the Chenopodiaceae family) are found. The upper side of the butterfly is predomintly brown with lilac and blue suffusions. A distinct checquered pattern is found in the fringing scales of the wings. These are particulalry noticeable in fresh individuals. The underside of the wings are marked with a pattern that is reminscent of snakeskin, hence the specific name. The butterfly is often seen in swarms during hot weather fluttering over the food plants.
[edit] Distribution
This species is found in Native Grasslands and Native woodland in the Melbourne area where Atriplex semibaccata is an occasional component of the groundstorey. Together with Einadia nutans this species is a frequent coloniser of the dry halo areas below trees, even Cypress and pine trees. As a result, this species is not uncommonly encountered in the suburbs.
[edit] Habitat needs
The caterpillars feed on the native and introduced Einadia (e.g. the native E. nutans), Atriplex (e.g the native A.semibaccata) and other species of the Chenopodiaceae family. In saltmarsh areas they have a wide variety of species to choose from. The adult may be seen feeding on the nectar of flowering plants, such as small daisies.
[edit] Threats
Clearance of saltmarshes has presumably affected this species in the past. Drought years which have tended to favour the colonisation by saltbush species and the widespread planting of native (though not necessarily indigenous) foodplants such as Rhagodia parabolica and Rhagodia spinescens along highways will have favoured this species.
[edit] Things to do
The readily grown Einadia nutans and Atriplex semibaccata are valuable in indigenous gardens, providing a drought and shade tolerant goundcover. These will be very likely to attract this butterfly within a short time. The adult butterfly will welcome nectar sources with a long flowering period over summer such as Brachyscome multifida and species from the former Geranium solanderi complex. Do not be tempted to plant the seriously weedy 'Butterfly Bush', Buddleja davidii which is often promoted for this purpose. This Himilayan species is a serious weed in other countries and states and is showing signs of getting out of control along Melbourne's waterways.
[edit] References
Braby, Michael, F. (2000) Butterflies of Australia Vol. 2 pp. 813-814. CSIRO
