About Lycaena boldenarum White, 1862
Lycaena boldenarum White, 1862 has a wingspan of 17–27 mm. It is the second smallest butterfly species found in New Zealand; the smallest is the southern blue, Zizina otis oxleyi. The underside of this species' hindwings has variable markings: some individuals are pale with faint patterns, while others have bold blackish marbling on a grey background. Male upperwings have a purple sheen, while females have a pattern more typical for Lycaena butterflies. This species is endemic to New Zealand. It is widespread across the South Island, but on the North Island it is restricted to the Wairarapa, Central Plateau, and Hawkes Bay areas. Lycaena boldenarum occurs in a wide range of open habitats, including grassland, shingle, sand dunes, and braided rivers. Its common name does not refer to boulders. Instead, the name is derived from the species' scientific name, which honors Helen Bolden— the maiden name of the first wife of naturalist Adam White, who described this species— as well as Helen Bolden's sister Frances.
