Lepidochrysops lotana
| Lepidochrysops lotana | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Lycaenidae |
| Genus: | Lepidochrysops |
| Species: | L. lotana
|
| Binomial name | |
| Lepidochrysops lotana Swanepoel, 1962
| |
Lepidochrysops lotana, the Lotana blue, is a species of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is endemic to South Africa.
Description
[edit]This species is only known from two localities in the Limpopo province, the western slope of the Ysterberg and from Moria to Serala Forest in the Wolkberg area.
The wingspan is 42–44 mm for males and 42–46 mm for females. Adults are on wing from September to early November. Peak emergence of the species is mid-October. [2]There is one generation per year.[3] The undersides show flat, grey coloration and smal basal black spots beneath the hindwing.[2]
These butterflies have a steadier flight compared to L. tantalus.
Habitat and behavior
[edit]The larvae feed on host plant Becium grandiflorum, however, there's a scarcity of these plants due to overgrazing and infrequent fires, indicating endangerment of L. lotana.[2]
References
[edit]
- ^ Williams, M.C. (2020). "Lepidochrysops lotana". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T11539A168311186. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T11539A168311186.en. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
- ^ a b c Williams, M. C. (2009). "Two specials in two weekends- rediscovering Lepidochryops lotana and Dingana fraterna". Metamorphosis. 20 (1). The Lepidopterists' Society of Africa: 11–14.
- ^ Woodhall, Steve (2005). Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa. Cape Town, South Africa: Struik. ISBN 978-1-86872-724-7.