Description

• Common Name : Purple Sapphire
• Scientific Name : Heliophorus epicles (Fruhstorfer)
• Family : LYCAENIDAE
• Wingspan : 28-34mm
• Colour : Upperside shining purple with black border. Underside bright yellow.
• Habit : One of most beautiful butterfly of West Bengal; commonly found in the thick forests of North Bengal; They are sun-loving, found along forested paths, fast flier, fly close to ground for short distance and also visits flowers and damp patches.
• Larval Host Plants : Polygonum spp., Rumex hastatus
• Location : Throughout West Bengal