Silky Hairstreak, Pseudalmenus chlorinda
The caterpillars feed on Acacia, and are tended by an ant species Anonychomyrma biconvexa. Tasmania has four of six subspecies. Pseudalmenus chlorinda myrsilus is a Tasmanian endemic subspecies is rare and threatened. It has been found in the south-east of the state.
Late November 2007
Buckland
Image by Elizabeth Daley, used with permission.
Late October 2009
Buckland
Image by Elizabeth Daley, used with permission.
Pseudalmenus chlorinda ssp. chlorinda
Early October 2024
Mount Nelson
Identification thanks to Peter Ewin
Photos KE
References:
ABRS 2020. Australian Faunal Directory. Australian Biological Resources Study, Canberra. https://biodiversity.org.au/afd/taxa/Pseudalmenus/checklist Viewed [28/8/2025]. https://biodiversity.org.au/afd/home
Braby, M.F (2004) The Complete Field Guide to Butterflies of Australia CSIRO Publishing, Australia
Threatened Species Section (2025). Tasmanian Hairstreak(Butterfly) (Pseudalmenus chlorinda myrsilus): Species Management Profile for Tasmania’s Threatened Species Link. https://www.threatenedspecieslink.tas.gov.au/Pages/Tasmanian-Hairstreak-(butterfly).aspx Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania. Accessed on 28/8/2025.