Aloeides simplex
| Aloeides simplex | |
|---|---|
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| Figures 3 and 4 | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Lycaenidae |
| Genus: | Aloeides |
| Species: | A. simplex
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| Binomial name | |
| Aloeides simplex | |
| Synonyms | |
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Aloeides simplex, the dune copper, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae. It is found in South Africa, where it is known from sandy areas in the Kalahari and arid savannah, the red dunes from Kuruman, Hotazel and further west in the Northern Cape.
Description
[edit]These butterflies populate grassy areas with bare patches, such as grassy fynbos in the western and eastern cape, or highvield grasslands in other provinces.[3]
The wingspan is 26–32 mm for males and 29–34 mm females. Adults are on wing from August to November and from January to March. There are two generations per year.[4]
The males of Aloeidis exhibit territorial behavior, claiming specific areas on road verges and unsurfaced roads where they can counter females and mate.[5]
Habitat and behavior
[edit]Oviposition is done at the base of host plant Melolobium microphyllum. Upon contact with ants, the female digs and covers the eggs in soil, which are noted to camouflage in, due to their resemblance with it.[6]
References
[edit]
- ^ Henning, G.A. (2020) [amended version of 2020 assessment]. "Aloeides simplex". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T161276677A175059269. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T161276677A175059269.en. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
- ^ Aloeides at Markku Savela's Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms
- ^ Henning, G.A. (1993). "Revisional notes on the genus Aloeides Hübner". Metamorphosis. 4. Lepidopterists' Society of Africa: 144–155.
- ^ Woodhall, Steve (2005). Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa. Cape Town, South Africa: Struik. ISBN 978-1-86872-724-7.
- ^ Edge, David A. (2005). "Life history and ecological observations on Aloeides pallida, an undescribed subspecies (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)" (PDF). Metamorphosis. 16 (4): 110–115.
- ^ Heath, A.; Gardiner, A. (2009). "Addendum to Heath et al., 2008: Oviposition behaviour and foodplant observations" (PDF). Metamosphosis. 20 (1). The Lepidopterists' Society of Africa.