Lepidochrysops lotana
Species of butterfly
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lepidochrysops lotana, the Lotana blue, is a species of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is endemic to South Africa.
| Lepidochrysops lotana | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Lycaenidae |
| Genus: | Lepidochrysops |
| Species: | L. lotana |
| Binomial name | |
| Lepidochrysops lotana Swanepoel, 1962 | |
Description
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
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]
