Aloeides apicalis
| Pointed copper | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Lycaenidae |
| Genus: | Aloeides |
| Species: | A. apicalis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Aloeides apicalis Tite & Dickson, 1968[2]
| |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Aloeides apicalis, the pointed copper, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae. It is found in South Africa, where it is known from Western Cape and the Northern Cape.
Description
[edit]The wingspan is 23–27 mm (0.91–1.06 in) for males and 25–30 mm (0.98–1.18 in) females. Adults are on wing from September to May in several generations per year.[3]
The males of Aloeidis exhibit territorial behavior, claiming specific areas on road verges and unsurfaced roads where they can counter females and mate.[4]
The outer margin of forewing varies from straight to slightly convex, similar to Aloeides margaretae. However its hindwing is almost straight with the presence of basic pattern of discoidal fascia.[5]
Habitat and Behavior
[edit]The butterflies of this group inhabit grassy areas with bare patches, such as grassy fynbos in the western and eastern cape, or highvield grasslands in other provinces.[6]
Aloeides apicalis larvae are associated with Aspalathus host plants.[7]
Life cycle
[edit]The species is holometabolous.[citation needed]
The larvae follow a mutualistic relationship with the ant species Monomorium fridae.[8]
References
[edit]
- ^ Henning, G.A. (2020) [amended version of 2020 assessment]. "Aloeides apicalis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T161280064A175061405. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T161280064A175061405.en. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
- ^ Aloeides at Markku Savela's Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms
- ^ Woodhall, Steve (2005). Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa. Cape Town, South Africa: Struik. ISBN 978-1-86872-724-7.
- ^ Edge, David A. (2005). "Life history and ecological observations on Aloeides pallida, undesribed subspecies (Lepidoptera: Lycaedinae)". Metamorphosis. 16 (4): 110–115.
- ^ Heath, A.; Claassens, A. (2020). "Illustrated descriptions of juvenile stages of an Aloeides species close to margaretae Tite & Dickson, including comparisons with both A. apicalis Tite & Dickson and A. depicta Tite & Dickson". Metamorphosis. 31 (1): 72–78. doi:10.4314/met.v31i1.14.
- ^ Henning, G.A. (1993). "Revisional notes on the genus Aloeides Hübner". Metamorphosis. 4: 144–155.
- ^ Clark, G.C.; Dickson, C.G.C. (1971). "Life histories of the South African lycaenid butterflies". (No title): 272.
- ^ Heath, A.; Claassens, A. (2020). "Illustrated descriptions of juvenile stages of an Aloeides species close to margaretae Tite & Dickson, including comparisons with both A. apicalis Tite & Dickson and A. depicta Tite & Dickson". Metamorphosis. 31 (1): 72–78. doi:10.4314/met.v31i1.14.