There are two sub-species of Canalides. hyacintha, both of which occur in the Mount Alexander area. On the left is C. h. simplex while on the right is a worn example of C. h. hyacinthina. The top phtos show the upper surface while the lower photos show the under surface of the wings. The pattern of spots on the underside, including the two dark spots on the trailing edge of the forewing, is diagnostic.
Photos: Euan Moore
Scientific Name: Candalides hyacinthina
Other Common Names: Common Dusky-blue, Dusky Blue
Family of Butterflies: Lycaenidae (Blues and Coppers)
Wingspan: 28mm
Local observations: There are records of this species to the south of Castlemaine from Fryers Ridge, Porcupine Ridge, The Monk and around Trentham. iNaturalist.
| Tony Morton’s records of Varied Dusky-blue from the local area (between 2000 to 2013) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | Location | Notes |
| 30-Oct-2012 | The Monk, Chewton | |
| 15-Nov-2011 | The Monk, Chewton | |
| 18-Oct-2011 | Vaughan walk | |
| 2-Sep-2011 | Vaughan walk | several on dodder |
| 24-Aug-2011 | The Monk, Chewton | Fresh |
| 1-Nov-2006 | The Monk, Chewton | |
| 4-Oct-2006 | Vaughan walk | Males |
| 19-Sep-2003 | Vaughan walk | |
| 15-Dec-2002 | The Monk, Chewton | |
| 23-Feb-2001 | The Monk, Chewton | |
| 6-Jan-2001 | The Monk, Chewton | Fresh |
| 14-Nov-2000 | The Monk, Chewton | |
| 8-Nov-2000 | The Monk, Chewton | |
| 12-Oct-2000 | Gully, Chewton/Fryerstown Road | |
| 6-Oct-2000 | Track, 2k. E. Vaughan | |
| 22-Sep-2000 | Porcupine Ridge, Vaughan | Fresh, browny-grey version |
Distribution outside our region: There are records from across Victoria, wherever Dodder Laurel occurs. Outside Victoria the species has been reported mainly from the eastern seaboard of the continent and south-east South Australia. iNaturalist and Atlas of Living Australia
Larval Host Plants: Dodder Laurel (Cassytha pubescens and Cassytha melantha).
Larval association with ants: Not usually attended by ants.
Adult Flight Times in Victoria: Adults occur in warmer months – mostly October to January, but have been seen in Victoria from September to March. In some areas, two generations may be completed in a year.
Conservation Status:
- The Action plan for Australian Butterflies: No Conservation Significance
- Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 – Threatened List: Not Listed
Other Notes: Two subspecies are known to occur in Victoria. Candalides hyacinthina simplex occurs in north-west of the state, and C. h. hyacinthina occurs across the remainder of the state. The Mount Alexander shire occurs at or near the boundary of these two subspecies, and both subspecies have been recorded in the local area.
The species is probably common in the Mount Alexander Shire. It is uncertain which subspecies is more prevalent.
Adults generally seen flying in and around Dodder Laurel, although the species is also known to hill-top.
References and further reading:
Atlas of Living Australia – Candalides hyacinthina, Varied Dusky-blue
iNaturalist – Candalides hyacinthina, Varied Dusky-blue.
Braby, Michael F., Second edition 2016. The Complete Field Guide to Butterflies of Australia. CSIRO Publishing.
Field, Ross P., 2013. Butterflies: Identification and Life History. Museum Victoria.