Chrysoritis natalensis

Chrysoritis natalensis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Lycaenidae
Genus: Chrysoritis
Species:
C. natalensis
Binomial name
Chrysoritis natalensis
(van Son, 1966)[2]
Synonyms
  • Poecilmitis natalensis van Son, 1966

Chrysoritis natalensis, the Natal opal, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae. It is found in South Africa, where it is found from the Eastern Cape, along the coast of KwaZulu-Natal and inland to Zululand and the midlands.

The wingspan is 24–30 mm for males and 28–34 mm for females. Adults are on wing year-round with peaks in November and February.[3]

The larvae feed on Chrysanthemoides monilifera and Cotyledon orbiculata. They are associated with ants of the genus Crematogaster.

References

  1. ^ Cockburn, K.N.A. (2020) [amended version of 2020 assessment]. "Chrysoritis natalensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T161337966A175072225. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T161337966A175072225.en. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  2. ^ Chrysoritis at Markku Savela's Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms
  3. ^ 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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