Lepidochrysops robertsoni

Lepidochrysops robertsoni, the Robertson's blue, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae. It is found in South Africa, from the Western Cape to Eastern Cape. It is also found in the Free State and possibly in Gauteng.

Robertson's blue
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Lycaenidae
Genus: Lepidochrysops
Species:
L. robertsoni
Binomial name
Lepidochrysops robertsoni
Cottrell, 1965[2]

The wingspan is 28–32 mm for males and 29–33 mm for females. Adults are on wing from November to February. There is one extended generation per year.[3]

The larvae feed on Selago species, including Selago serrata. Third and later instar larvae feed on the brood of Camponotus niveosetus ants.

References

edit
  1. ^ Williams, M.C. (2020) [amended version of 2020 assessment]. "Lepidochrysops robertsoni". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T161319761A175064230. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T161319761A175064230.en. Retrieved 9 August 2021.
  2. ^ Lepidochrysops at Markku Savela's Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms
  3. ^ Woodhall, Steve (2005). Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa. Cape Town, South Africa: Struik. ISBN 978-1-86872-724-7.