Imperial Blue Butterfly

Like many butterflies, this species has an interconnected relationship between its food source and “attendant” ants, or other small insects like aphids. In this case, the Imperial Blue feeds on local Acacia plants, the processing of which causes their offspring, or larvae, to produce a sweet secretion that attracts swarms of small black Iridomyrmex ants. The ants in turn protect the larvae from a host of predators and parasites until the end of their fragile larval stage, when they will at last emerge as butterflies.

Project: Commissioned for a collection of exemplar species pages during the launch phase of the Encyclopedia of Life (eol.org) whose goal is to provide information about every species on the planet.

This butterfly science illustration is available on a variety of products, from fine art prints to everyday essentials, including, cards, journals, mugs, pillows, t-shirts & hoodies, cutting boards & other home goods and tech accessories. Bringing butterfly art to your home and providing unique gifts for nature lovers, while helping to protect this important species. Museum quality prints available framed or unframed in a range of sizes and styles.

🌎 %3 from all proceeds from my Shop go to support conservation groups actively protecting habitats around the world 🌎