Species: Theclinesthes onycha Common name: Cycad Blue Order: Sub-family: Family: : Theclinesthes

The Cycad blue butterfly larvae attacks native and introduced cycads, devouring the new growth as it unfurls feeding mainly at night. By day they hide in the base of the plant or under the fronds. The larvae continue to feed until the damaged growth turns into adult growth too tough for them to chew. The larvae may be attended by ants from seven genera.

Mature larvae are usually variously green, some bands of different colours may be present, humped: head brown

The male butterfly is dull lilac or greyish- lilac in colour with narrow brown outer margin, hind wing with brown-black spots, and the largest near the slender tail.

The female butterfly is brown with lilac central area; lower surface grey-brown or brown with a series of darker brown spots and bands edged with white, two black spots edged with orange near the tail.

Two sub- have been recognised; Capricornia in the Northern Territory and the norther half of Queensland and Onycha in southern Queensland and New South Wales.

There is some evidence that the subspecies have different food plant preferences, with subspecies Onycha preferring Macrozamia species and subspecies Capricornia preferring Cycad species.

Control: Caterpillars can be controlled with Dipel, pyrethrum or Yates Success. All of these are natural products derived from diseases of cater-pillars – that is, they aren’t poisonous to people, birds and in general. It is critical to remember to spray the plant, as per instructions on the packet, as the new growth begins to unfurl. Repeat sprays are required after rain. Spraying pants a week or two before the leaves unfurl is ideal. Source: http://lepidoptera.butterflyhouse.com.au/lyca/onycha.html