Description
The Metallic Caerulean is described as the largest species in the elpis subgroup, which is characterized by the post-discal band on the forewing beneath being completely dislocated at vein 3. The male of the species has a black diffuse border on the forewing, expanding to about 1mm at the apex and a series of black marginal spots on the hindwing. The female has the forewing border extending narrowly along the costa to the base. The Metallic Caerulean has bright metallic blue uppersides, and grey ground colour on the undersides with the usual white banding. On the hindwing, there is a black centred orange-crowned eyespot at the tornal area, with some additional submarginal orange markings along veins 1b and 4. There is a white-tipped filamentous tail at vein 2 of the hindwing.

Habitat & Habits
This species was listed as being extant by pioneer researchers, but has not been seen in recent years until a colony was sighted and identified in the second half of 2008 thriving in the vicinity of a cluster of Torch Ginger plants by ButterflyCircle members. The adults have a rather quick but erratic flight, and for most of the day, are active and fly in a small area encircling the host plants. Males tend to stay higher up and chase each other in the bright sunshine. Very often both sexes stop to rest in the shade on the uppersides of leaves and demonstrates the movement of the hindwings and tails in the usual Lycaenid fashion. The male has also been found to puddle on bird droppings.

Other Observations
To be detailed.

Early Stages
Butterflycirlce blog article - Life History of the Metallic Caerulean

Further Reading
To be detailed.