Aloeides damarensis
| Damara copper | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Lycaenidae |
| Genus: | Aloeides |
| Species: | A. damarensis
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| Binomial name | |
| Aloeides damarensis | |
| Synonyms | |
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Aloeides damarensis, the Damara copper, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae from South Africa.
Description
[edit]This butterfly populates grassy areas with bare patches, such as grassy fynbos in coastal KwaZulu-Natal to the Drakensberg, north into Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces.[3]
The wingspan is 25–32 mm for males and 28–36 mm for females. Adults are on wing from September to April in the southern part of the range and year-round in the north.[4]
The males of Aloeidis exhibit territorial behavior, claiming specific areas on road verges and unsurfaced roads where they can counter females and mate.[5]
A. damarensis show variable coloration and pattern, ranging from medium to light orange specimens with reduced upperside black markings.[6]
Habitat and Behavior
[edit]The female lays eggs at the base of Waltheria indica. Along with being a host plant, it also serves as a nectar source for adults. Eggs are blue in color.[7]
The larvae feed on Aspalathus species, and are tended by Pheidole ants, that build colonies at the base of host plant.[8][7]
Subspecies
[edit]
- Aloeides damarensis damarensis (Western, Northern and Eastern Cape and south-western Free State)
- Aloeides damarensis mashona Tite & Dickson, 1973 (from northern KwaZulu-Natal to Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Limpopo and North West provinces)
References
[edit]
- ^ Westrip, J.R.S. (2021). "Aloeides damarensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T162637964A162637993. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-2.RLTS.T162637964A162637993.en. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
- ^ Aloeides at Markku Savela's Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms
- ^ Henning, G.A. (1993). "Revisional notes on the genus Aloeides Hübner". Metamorphosis. 4: 144–155.
- ^ 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)" (PDF). Metamorphosis. 16 (4): 110–115.
- ^ Terblanche, R.F.; Taylor, J.C. (2000). "Notes on the butterflies of Witsand – A unique terrestrial island in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa – With special reference to two Red Data Book butterfly species". Metamorphosis. 11 (3). The Lepidopterists' Society of Africa.
- ^ a b Heath, A.; Gardiner, A. (2009). "Addendum to Heath et al., 2008: Oviposition behaviour and foodplant observations" (PDF). Metamorphosis. 20 (1).
- ^ Clark, G.C.; Dickson, C.G.C. (1971). Life Histories of the South African Lycaenid Butterflies. Cape Town: Purnell & Sons.