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.
| Chrysoritis natalensis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
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| 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 | |
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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
edit- ^ 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.
- ^ Chrysoritis at Markku Savela's Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms
- ^ Woodhall, Steve (2005). Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa. Cape Town, South Africa: Struik. ISBN 978-1-86872-724-7.
Data related to Chrysoritis natalensis at Wikispecies
