Lepidochrysops irvingi

Lepidochrysops irvingi, the Irving's blue, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae. It is found in South Africa, where it is restricted to montane grassland in Eswatini and Mpumalanga.

Lepidochrysops irvingi
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Lycaenidae
Genus: Lepidochrysops
Species:
L. irvingi
Binomial name
Lepidochrysops irvingi
(Swanepoel, 1948)[2]
Synonyms
  • Cupido irvingi Swanepoel, 1948

The wingspan is 32–36 mm for males and 33–38 mm for females. Adults are on wing from September to November. There is one generation per year.[3]

The larvae feed on Ocimum (basil) species, including Ocimum grandiflorum.

References

edit
  1. ^ Williams, M.C. (2020). "Lepidochrysops irvingi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T161342254A168306773. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T161342254A168306773.en. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  2. ^ Lepidochrysops 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.