Victorian (Silky) Hairstreak Butterfly

Pseudalmenus chlorinda

This attractive butterfly has a wingspan of 28mm and is brown-black above with central orange patch to each wing, hindwing with orange fringe and a black tail; below, grey with black markings and a red fringe to hindwing.

Victorian (Silky) Hairstreak Butterfly larvae and ants Photographer - Ross Field Source - Museum Victoria

Victorian (Silky) Hairstreak Butterfly Photographer - Ross Field Source - Museum Victoria

Occurring mainly in the Dandenong Ranges where it breeds on wattles (Acacia sp.).

An early spring species whose larvae feed on Blackwood (A. melanoxylon) and Silver Wattle (A. dealbata).

The larvae are attended by the strong smelling ant, Anonychomyrma biconvexa. Pupation usually occurs under the bark of nearby eucalypts.