Saltbush Blue, upper surface.
Photo: Euan Moore
Saltbush Blue, showing the distinctive underwing pattern.
Photo: Euan Moore
Scientific Name: Theclinesthes serpentatus
Other Common Names: Chequered Blue
Family of Butterflies: Lycaenidae (Blues and Coppers)
Wingspan: 18mm
Museum specimens.
Photo: Tony Morton
Note 1: The upper side of the butterfly wings are shown on the left and the underside side of the butterfly wings are shown on the right. Males and females are similar.
Note 2: The plant name on the bottom right refers to the plants upon which the butterfly larvae (caterpillars) feed.
Local Records: There are records from across our area on Atlas of Living Australia and iNaturalist.
In the past this species has probably been under-reported. Saltbush Blues may be seen in gardens around
Castlemaine and at Moonlight Flat along Forest creek.
| Tony Morton’s documented records of Saltbush Blue from the local area (2000 to 2013) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | Location | Notes |
| 5-Apr-2012 | Vaughan garden | several |
| 1-Nov-2006 | The Monk, Chewton | |
| 4-Oct-2006 | Vaughan garden | |
| 24 Feb ’03 | Vaughan | on saltbush in garden |
| 20-Feb-2001 | Vaughan garden | |
| on Einadia hastata and E. nutans | ||
Distribution: In Victoria most records are from coastal areas around Port Philp Bay and in the north-west of the state. There are records from across much of mainland Australia below the Tropic of Capricorn and coastal areas of Tasmania. ref. iNaturalist, Atlas of Living Australia.
Larval Host Plants: Larvae eat a range of saltbush plants (e.g. Atriplex sp. Einadia sp., Rhagodia sp.).
Larval association with ants: Larvae usually attended by ants from the genera of Iridomyrmex.
Saltbush Blue, on Rhagodia sp.
Photo: Euan Moore
Adult Flight Times in Victoria: Adults have been recorded throughout the year in Victoria, although most of the few winter records are from the north-west of the state. Most commonly observed between November to March. Probably two generations per year.
Conservation Status:
- The Action plan for Australian Butterflies: No Conservation Significance
Other Notes: Occurs where its saltbush plants occur in tidal flats and sand dunes, though also commonly in urban areas where its host plants have been planted.
References and further reading:
Atlas of Living Australia – Theclinesthes serpentatus, Saltbush Blue
iNaturalist – Theclinesthes serpentatus, Saltbush 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.