Rayed Blue butterfly

Afrikaans name:

Rayed Blue butterfly

Photo © Steven Herbert

Actizera lucida

The Rayed Blue is one of many similarly coloured species of butterfly found in South Africa. They are found in suitable habitat over the eastern two-thirds of South Africa. One of the features that help distinguish them is the white streak on the underside of the rear wing.

These butterflies can be found in a variety of habitats including grassland, hillsides, forest edges and savanna. They are normally seen singly or small groups.

Although they are most common in number during summer they may be found in any month of the year.

The Rayed Blue is a small butterfly with a wingspan of 1.5 to 2.5 cm. Females tend to be slightly bigger than males.

References and further reading

Whats That Butterfly - Author: Steve Woodhall - Published: 2008 - Page: 1287

The Life Histories of the South African Lycaenid Butterflies - Author: GC Clark & CGC Dickson - Published: 1971 - Page: 48

Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa - 1st edition - Author: Steve Woodhall - Published: 2005 - Page: 310

Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Steve Woodhall - Published: 2020 - Page: 324

Butterflies of the Kruger National Park - Author: Johan Kloppers and the late Dr. G. Van Son - Published: 1978 - Page: 51

Butterflies of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Mark Williams - Published: 1994 - Page: 220

For more info: The Virtual Museum

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