Lepidochrysops trimeni

Lepidochrysops trimeni
Figure 7
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Lycaenidae
Genus: Lepidochrysops
Species: L. trimeni
Binomial name
Lepidochrysops trimeni
(Bethune-Baker, 1923)[1]
Synonyms
  • Neochrysops trimeni Bethune-Baker, 1923

Lepidochrysops trimeni, the Trimen's blue, is a butterfly of the Lycaenidae family. It is found in South Africa, where it is known from the Western Cape.

The wingspan is 37–40 mm for males and 35–42 mm for females. Adults are on wing from September to January or February, with a peak depending on rainfall but usually from October to November. There is one extended generation per year.[2]

The larvae feed on Selago species (including Selago serrata) and Aspalathus sarcantha. Third and later instar larvae feed on the brood of Camponotus maculatus ants.

Etymology

The name honours Roland Trimen.

References

  1. Lepidochrysops at Markku Savela's Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms
  2. Woodhall, Steve (2005). Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa. Cape Town, South Africa: Struik. ISBN 978-1-86872-724-7.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.