Western Jewel Butterfly (Hypochrysops halyaetus)

This little member of the family of ‘blues’ (Lycaenidae) is confined to open heath on coastal sand dunes and banksia woodland areas from Perth to North-West Cape. In the Perth area, adults are in flight from October to December but they emerge as early as July on NW Cape. Wing span is approximately 2.5 cm.

The butterflies are often found in large numbers near the ground, where the males usually perch on twigs or leaves. Compared to other species, the Turquoise Jewel is very easy to approach and observe, even in sunny and warm conditions.