Lepidochrysops trimeni

Lepidochrysops trimeni
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Lycaenidae
Genus:	Lepidochrysops
Species:	L. trimeni
Binomial name
Lepidochrysops trimeni (Bethune-Baker, 1923)[1]
Synonyms
Neochrysops trimeni Bethune-Baker, 1923

Trimen’s Blue (Lepidochrysops trimeni) is a butterfly of the Lycaenidae family. It is found in South Africa, where it is known from the West Cape.

The wingspan is 37-40 mm for males and 35-42 mm for females. Adults are on wing from September to January or February, with a peak depending on rainfall but usually from October to November. There is one extended generation per year.^[2]

The larvae feed on Selago species (including Selago serrata) and Aspalathus sarcantha. Third and later instar larvae feed on the brood of Camponotus maculatus ants.

References

1. ^ Lepidochrysops, Site of Markku Savela
2. ^ Woodhall, S. Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa, Cape Town: Struik Publishers, 2005.