Banded Blue Pierrot (Discolampa ethion)

The Banded Blue Pierrot is a small butterfly found in many parts of South and Southeast Asia, including Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and several nearby islands. It belongs to the Lycaenidae family, commonly known as the blues. This butterfly is easily recognized by the bold white and blue bands across its dark wings. The male has shiny blue edges and stronger contrast, while the female's colors are softer and more brownish. The undersides of both are white with neat black spots and stripes.

The butterfly lays eggs on plants like Ziziphus jujuba, which the caterpillars feed on. These caterpillars are flat and pale green with tiny white hairs and a faint stripe on their back. After growing, they turn into pupae, which are small, green, and have a few red dots on the edges. These butterflies are sometimes seen gathering around moist soil (a behavior called mud-puddling) to absorb minerals and nutrients.

Although small, this butterfly plays an important role in the ecosystem. It's often spotted in gardens, forests, and wildlife areas like the Eastern Ghats and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Banded Blue Pierrot is not just a beautiful insect, but also a part of nature’s balance, helping with pollination and providing food for birds and other animals.