Pea Blue Butterfly (Lampides boeticus)

Lampides boeticus (pea blue or long-tailed blue) is a widespread butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, found across Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. It is easily recognized by the slender tails on its hindwings and the eye-like spots near the tails, which help deflect predator attacks. The upper wings are bluish in males and brownish in females, while the undersides are pale with wavy brown lines. Its larvae feed on legumes, including peas and beans, sometimes making it an agricultural pest. Adults are active fliers and important pollinators, commonly seen visiting flowers in open habitats.