Chrysoritis perseus

Perseus opal
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Clade: Pancrustacea
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Lycaenidae
Genus: Chrysoritis
Species:
C. perseus
Binomial name
Chrysoritis perseus
(Henning, 1977)
Synonyms
  • Poecilmitis perseus Henning, 1977

Chrysoritis perseus, the Perseus opal, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae found only in South Africa.

Description

The wingspan is 24–28 mm for males and 26–30 mm for females. Flight period is two broods from August to March, peaking November.

Habitat and behavior

Larvae feed on Zygophyllum species.

The pupae are found under host plant Atriplex bolusii and tended to by the ants specie Crematogaster peringueyi.

References

  1. ↑ Dobson, J.C.H. (2020) [amended version of 2020 assessment]. "Chrysoritis perseus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020 e.T161342021A175074064. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T161342021A175074064.en. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  2. ↑ Chrysoritis 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.
  4. ↑ Heath, A.; Gardiner, A. (2008). "Addendum to Heath et al., 2008: Oviposition behaviour and foodplant observations" (PDF). Metamorphosis. 20 (1). The Lepidopterists Society of Africa: 8–10.