Lepidochrysops loveni explained

Lepidochrysops loveni is a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is found in Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Zambia and possibly Malawi and Angola.^[1] The habitat consists of open Brachystegia woodland at altitudes between 1,200 and 1,500 metres, as well as grass-topped low hill ranges.

Adults are on wing from October to December.

The larvae feed on Ocimum and Salvia species.

Subspecies

• L. l. loveni (Uganda, western and central Kenya, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Lualaba, north-western Tanzania, Zambia, possibly Malawi and Angola)
• L. l. abyssiniensis (Strand, 1911) (Ethiopia)
• L. l. kivuensis (Joicey & Talbot, 1921) (Democratic Republic of the Congo: northern Rift Valley to Kivu and the plains east of Lake Kivu and Lake Edward, Rwanda)
• L. l. oculus (Ungemach, 1932) (Ethiopia)

Notes and References

1. http://atbutterflies.com/downloads/lycaenidae_polyommatini_3.doc Afrotropical Butterflies: Lycaenidae - Tribe Polyommatini (part 3)