Lepidochrysops pephredo

Lepidochrysops pephredo, the Estcourt blue, is a species of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is endemic to South Africa, and is found in the grassy hills of the KwaZulu-Natal midlands.

Lepidochrysops pephredo
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Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Lycaenidae
Genus: Lepidochrysops
Species:
L. pephredo
Binomial name
Lepidochrysops pephredo
(Trimen, 1889)
Synonyms
  • Lycaena pephredo Trimen, 1889
  • Cupido pephredo
  • Neochrysops pephredo

The wingspan is 32–38 mm (1.3–1.5 in) for males and 36–40 mm (1.4–1.6 in) for females. Adults are on wing from October to November. There is one generation per year.[2]

The larvae feed on Becium grandiflorum. Third and later instar larvae feed on the brood of Camponotus niveosetus ants.

References

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  1. ^ Armstrong, A.J. (2020). "Lepidochrysops pephredo". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T11549A168310977. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T11549A168310977.en. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  2. ^ Woodhall, Steve (2005). Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa. Cape Town, South Africa: Struik. ISBN 978-1-86872-724-7.
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