Cacyreus lingeus explained

Cacyreus lingeus, the common bush blue or bush bronze, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae. As with other Cacyreus species it is endemic to the Afrotropics.[1]

Range

It is a common species in much of sub-Saharan Africa, though mostly at lower altitudes.[1]

Description

The wingspan is 22–27 mm for males and 22–28 mm for females. The larvae are pale green.[1]

Habits

Adults are on wing year-round, with a peak from October to February. In exceptional situations adults may be on the wing in winter months in cooler areas.[2]

Foodplants

The larvae may feed on the flowers, the leaves or inside the stems of their foodplants.[1] Various Lamiaceae species are utilized, including Plectranthus, Salvia, Calamintha, Lavandula, Mentha and Hemizygia species.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Hoskins . Adrian . Butterflies of Africa: Common Bush Blue . Learn About Butterflies: the complete guide to the world of butterflies and moths . 10 March 2019.
  2. Book: Woodhall, Steve . Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa . 2005 . Cape Town, South Africa . Struik . 978-1-86872-724-7 .