Chrysoritis natalensis

Chrysoritis natalensis
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 2.3) [1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Lycaenidae
Genus:	Chrysoritis
Species:	C. natalensis
Binomial name
Chrysoritis natalensis (van Son, 1966) [2]
Synonyms
Poecilmitis natalensisvan Son, 1966

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.

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

1. 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.
2. Chrysoritis 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.

• Data related to Chrysoritis natalensis at Wikispecies