In flight, it’s wing-flashes of bright orange are eye-catching. But at rest – it’s another story, blending in near-perfectly with the rocky, mossy surface upon which it landed.

The Australian Hairstreak (Pseudalmenus chlorinda) is one of the ‘blues’ that has a symbiotic relationship with another insect – whose larvae are attended by ants. It’s similar to the Common Imperial Blue, also found in the Strathbogies, but a little smaller and has orange upper-wing adornment, not blue.

This specimen was active yesterday around the moss beds on the slopes of Mt Wombat. This one had a fascination with a Milkmaid lily (Wurmbea dioica) and once settled, gracefully pirouetted on the head of this little flower. [click an image to view slide show]

The large granite rock faces so characteristic of Mt Wombat.
A momentary bight, orange flash!
Then it’s gone
Wings open, shape appears.
The underwing mimics the grey-blue sky.
A stunning blend of dark brown and orange.