Chrysoritis pelion

Machacha opal
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Lycaenidae
Genus: Chrysoritis
Species:
C. pelion
Binomial name
Chrysoritis pelion
(Pennington, 1953)[2]
Synonyms
  • Poecilmitis pelion Pennington, 1953

Chrysoritis pelion, the Machacha opal, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae found only in South Africa. Terblanche and van Hamburg state "due to their intricate life histories and the unique wing patterns and colouring the butterflies of the genus Chrysoritis are of significant conservation and aesthetic value".[3]

The wingspan is 20–24 mm for males and 22–30 mm for females. Flight period has several broods from October to March.[4]

References

  1. ^ Cockburn, K.N.A. (2020) [amended version of 2020 assessment]. "Chrysoritis pelion". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T159915A175057668. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T159915A175057668.en. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  2. ^ Chrysoritis at Markku Savela's Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms
  3. ^ Terblanche, Reinier; Hamburg, Huib (2004-12-19). "The application of life history information to the conservation management of Chrysoritis butterflies (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in South Africa". Koedoe: African Protected Area Conservation and Science. 47. doi:10.4102/koedoe.v47i1.75.
  4. ^ Woodhall, Steve (2005). Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa. Cape Town, South Africa: Struik. ISBN 978-1-86872-724-7.