Myrina dermaptera explained

Myrina dermaptera, the lesser fig-tree blue or scarce fig-tree blue, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae. It is found in Sub-Saharan Africa, southern Arabia and northern Oman.

Description

The wingspan is 26–32 mm for males and 30–38 mm for females. Adults are on wing year round with strong peaks in November and from April to June.[1]

Habitat and behavior

The males are highly territorial, and patrol their chosen spots around fig trees. They are noted to perform in an unusual hovering and spiraling aerial display, which seems as a form of threat or dominance.[2]

The larvae feed on Ficus species, including F. sur, F. thonningii and F. natalensis.

Subspecies

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Woodhall, Steve . Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa . 2005 . Cape Town, South Africa . Struik . 978-1-86872-724-7 .
  2. Woodhall . S. . 2009 . Strange behaviour from a Myrina dermaptera dermaptera (Scarce Fig-tree Blue) male . Metamorphosis . The Lepidopterists' Society of Africa . 20 . 1 . 38-39.