Cigaritis vulcanus
Cigaritis vulcanus, the common silverline, is a species of lycaenid or blue butterfly found in Asia. It was first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1775. Description. The wingspan is 26–34 mm. Subspecies. The subspecies of "Cigaritis vulcanus" are- Distribution. These butterflies are found in Sri Lanka, India, central Thailand and Java. In India, the species has been spotted in the territories of Maharashtra, Orissa, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Habitat. Their numbers peak during the south-west and north-east monsoons. It inhabits scrub land with sparse vegetation , hedge rows, scrub jungles and secondary forest. Habits. They are difficult to disturb when nectaring on flowers but are able to fly fast erratically. Even when disturbed they return to the same spot a moment later. Mainly, they are found near their host plants. Food plants. The larvae feed on jujube, "Zizyphus rugosa", "Lxora longifolia", "Clerodendrum siphomanthus", "C. inerme", "Allophylus cobbe", "Ixora chinensis" and "Canthium parviflorum".