Moonlight Jewel
Hypochrysops delicia
Also called Blue Jewel, Moonlight Blue
The Moonlight Jewel (Hypochrysops delicia) is a butterfly found in Australia, in the family Lycaenidae, the blues, coppers and hairstreaks. This site lists 2 subspecies: Hypochrysops delicia delicia and Hypochrysops delicia duaringae. Its caterpillars are known to feed on 15 plants, including Acacia mearnsii, Acacia decurrens and Acacia pycnantha. This page has 23 photos of its life cycle (eggs, early instar caterpillars, final instar caterpillars, pupae and adults) by Bob Miller. Bob Miller wrote about it in his book, Bob's Butterflies.
Subspecies
- Hypochrysops delicia delicia 14 photos
- Hypochrysops delicia duaringae 9 photos
Life cycle of Hypochrysops delicia delicia
Moonlight Jewel caterpillars (final instar)
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Moonlight Jewel pupae
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Top view
Moonlight Jewel adults
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Male, upperside -
Male, underside -
Female, upperside -
Female, underside -
Male, upperside -
Male, underside -
Female, upperside -
Female, underside
Life cycle of Hypochrysops delicia duaringae
Moonlight Jewel eggs
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Egg
Moonlight Jewel caterpillars (early instar)
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Side view -
Top view
Moonlight Jewel caterpillars (final instar)
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Side view -
Top view
Moonlight Jewel adults
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Male, upperside -
Male, underside -
Female, upperside -
Female, underside
Photos by Bob Miller. Free to use for any purpose (CC0). Select a photo to enlarge it or download the original. Using these photos. Add your own photo of this butterfly.
In Bob's book
Bob wrote about this butterfly in his book:
Caterpillar food plants
15 known food plants.