About Arhopala micale Blanchard, 1853
Arhopala micale, commonly known as the common oakblue or shining oakblue, is a butterfly species in the family Lycaenidae. There are around 16 recognized subspecies of Arhopala micale, distributed across Melanesia, New Guinea, and the north coast of Australia. This species has an approximate wingspan of 40 millimeters. The upper wing surface of Arhopala micale is very similar to that of Arhopala sophrosyne, but it generally has a more ultramarine overall tone. This color difference is especially noticeable in the costal area of the forewing, which has a more violet-blue hue. On the under surface of the wings, the distal section of all wings lacks the intense brightening seen in A. sophrosyne, and the wing spots are larger, more irregular. The subspecies Arhopala micale superba Rob. has a browner under surface in both sexes. In females of this subspecies, the black margin along the edges of the wings is broader and more sharply defined. The larvae of Arhopala micale feed on Buchanania arborescens, Cordia dichotoma, Calophyllum inophyllum, Terminalia muelleri, Glochidion ferdinandi, Cryptocarya hypospodia, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Acmena, Cupaniopsis anacardioides, Heritiera littoralis, and Oxera splendida. Arhopala micale larvae are attended by the ant species Oecophylla smaragdina.
