Introduction
There are 7 known Theclinesthes species, of which 6 are endemic to Australia. The other species – eremicola, is known only from the Indonesian islands of Alor and Flores, east of the Wallace Line. It seems likely however that other species may still remain undiscovered e.g. on New Guinea.
Theclinesthes serpentata is found in New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania.
Habitats
To be completed.
Lifecycle
The pale green lozenge-shaped eggs are laid singly on flower-buds or leaves of the foodplant. The larvae when fully grown are plump and pale green, and covered in tiny white warts. They feed on Atriplex, Rhagodia, Chenopodium, Einadia ( Chenopodiaceae ) and Atalaya ( Sapindaceae ). Larvae are usually attended by ants of the genera Iridomyrmex, Myrmecia, Camponotus or Monomorium. The pupa is pale brown mottled with darker flecks. It is usually attached to the underside of a leaf of the foodplant, and secured with a silk girdle.
Adult behaviour
Both sexes are fond of nectaring at Asteraceae and other low growing flowers.