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Aloeides dryas

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Transvaal copper
Scientific classification
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A. dryas
Binomial name
Aloeides dryas
Tite & Dickson, 1968[1]

Aloeides dryas, the Transvaal copper, is a butterfly of the Lycaenidae family. It is found in southern Africa, where it is known from northern KwaZulu-Natal, Swaziland and Mpumalanga, and along the Drakensberg to the Wolkberg range in Limpopo province.

The wingspan is 26–31 mm for males and 28–34 mm females. There are several generations in the warmer months, with adults on wing from September to as late as June with peaks in November and February.[2]

The larvae feed on Lotononis species, a genus of legumes. They are associated with ants of the Lepisiota genus.

References

  1. ^ Aloeides at Markku Savela's Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms
  2. ^ Woodhall, S. Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa, Cape Town: Struik Publishers, 2005.