Genus Chrysoritis Butler, 1897

Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1896: 848 (817-850). Type-species: Zeritis oreas Trimen, 1891, by original designation.

= Nais Swainson, 1833. In: Swainson, 1832-3. Zoological illustrations, or original figures and descriptions of new, rare or interesting animals selected chiefly from the class of Ornithology, Entomology and Conchology (2) 3: pl. 136 ([ix] pp.). London. Type-species: Nais splendens Swainson, by monotypy. Invalid; junior homonym of Nais Müller, 1771.

= Poecilmitis Butler, 1899. Entomologist 32: 78 (77-78). Type-species: Zeritis lycegenes Trimen, 1874, by original designation. Synonymized with Chrysoritis by Heath, 1997 (Metamorphosis Occasional Supplement No. 2: 16 (1-60)).

= Bowkeria Quickelberge, 1972. Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 84: 89 (85- 94). Type-species: Zeritis phosphor Trimen, 1864, by monotypy. Synonymized with Chrysoritis by Heath, 1997 (Metamorphosis Occasional Supplement No. 2: 16 (1-60)).

= Oxychaeta Tite & Dickson, 1973. Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) (Entomology) 29: 232 (227-280). Type-species: Phasis dicksoni Gabriel, 1947, by original designation. Synonymized with Chrysoritis by Heath, 1997 (Metamorphosis Occasional Supplement No. 2: 16 (1-60)).

Uranus Opal (Chrysoritis uranus) female. Image courtesy Jeremy Dobson.

A purely Afrotropical genus containing 42 species. Generic revision by Heath (2001) and Heath & Pringle (2007). The species-groups into which the genus is divided follow Heath & Pringle, 2007. The species-groups are:

oreas species-group (2 species) phosphor species-group (1 species) chrysaor species-group (7 species) zeuxo species-group (2 species) pyroeis species-group (2 species) chrysantas species-group (1 species) thysbe species-group (27 species)

Relevant literature: Heath et al., 2008 [Trophic and ant associations]. Heath & Pringle, 2007 [Generic review]. 1 Heath, 2005b [Letter to the editor r.e. review of the genus]. Terblanche & Van Hamburg, 2004 [Life history information applied to conservation]. Terblanche & Van Hamburg, 2003 [Taxonomy, biogeography and conservation]. Heath, 2001 [Generic review].

OREAS SPECIES-GROUP Characters: Upper side orange-red, marked with black spots and broad black margins, especially on the forewing. Underside with a submarginal series of sagittate markings on both wings; hind wing with a dense pattern of browns and orange. Outer margin of forewings noticeably convex in both sexes; hind wing without tail or tornal development in either sex. Male aedoeagus lacks cornuti. Forewing with eleven or twelve veins (Heath & Pringle, 2007).

*Chrysoritis oreas (Trimen, 1891)# Drakensberg Daisy Copper

Zeritis oreas Trimen, 1891. Transactions of the Entomological Society of London 1891: 176 (169-178). Phasis oreas Trimen. Swanepoel, 1953a. Chrysoritis oreas (Trimen, 1891). Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Chrysoritis oreas (Trimen, 1891). Pringle et al., 1994: 207. Chrysoritis oreas (Trimen, 1891). Heath, 1997. Chrysoritis oreas Trimen, 1891. d‟Abrera, 2009: 730.

Chrysoritis oreas female (Wingspan 23 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Bulwer Mountain, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa 16 October, 2005. J. Dobson. Images courtesy Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Alternative common name: Drakensberg Opal. Type locality: [South Africa]: “Natal: Drakensberg (alt. 7,000 ft.)”. Distribution: South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal). Specific localities: KwaZulu-Natal – Mount Niginya, at 2 100 m (on the Watershed between the Bushmans and Little Tugela rivers) (TL; Hutchinson); Loteni (Pennington); Sani Pass (Pringle et al., 1994); Garden Castle (Pringle et al., 1994); Bushman‟s Nek (Pringle et al., 1994); Bulwer Mountain (Pringle et al., 1994; female illustrated above). Habitat: Areas with short grass, in montane grassland (Pringle et al., 1994). Habits: Specimens are reluctant to fly but, if disturbed, fly rapidly and erratically before soon resettling, usually on the ground (Pringle et al., 1994). However, Ficq (vide Pringle et al., 1994) noted that on sunny, windless days it is very active, alert, and may fly considerable distances if disturbed (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: End of September to middle of November (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Thesium species (Santalaceae) [Heath, 1997: 40]. Associated ant: Myrmicaria species near nigra (Formicinae) [Heath, 1997: 40]. 2

*Chrysoritis dicksoni (Gabriel, 1947)# Dickson‟s Strandveld Copper

Male Dickson‟s Opal (Chrysoritis dicksoni) upperside (left) and female underside (right). Images courtesy Steve Woodhall.

Phasis dicksoni Gabriel, 1947. Entomologist 80: 60 (60-61). Phasis dicksoni Gabriel. Swanepoel, 1953a. Oxychaeta dicksoni (Gabriel, 1947). Tite & Dickson, 1973 comb. nov. Oxychaeta dicksoni (Gabriel, 1946). Dickson & Kroon, 1978. [date of authorship erroneous] Oxychaeta dicksoni (Gabriel, 1946). Pringle et al., 1994: 177. [date of authorship erroneous] Chrysoritis dicksoni (Gabriel, 1947). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis dicksoni Gabriel, 1947. d‟Abrera, 2009: 728.

Chrysoritis dicksoni. Male (Wingspan 31 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Witsand, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 8 September 2012. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Chrysoritis dicksoni. Female (Wingspan 37 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Witsand, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 8 September 2012. J. Dobson.

3 Images: M.C. Williams.

Alternative common name: Dickson‟s Opal. Type locality: South Africa: “Cape Province, near Melkbosch Strand”. Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – near Melkbosstrand (TL; Dickson); Witsand (Schoeman and Stuckenberg); near Vermaaklikheid (the Pringles). Habitat: Fynbos. Habits: Occurs in extremely localized colonies. The flight is brisk but not rapid, around small bushes, on which it alights frequently. They may also alight on the ground, often with the wings held partially open (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: July to mid October, with peak emergence usually in the first half of September (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages:

Clark & Dickson, 1971: 189, plate 92 [as Phasis dicksoni; near Melkbosch Strand, Western Cape]. “Egg: 0.8 mm diam. x 0.5 mm high. Laid singly, both on fresh plants and on dry vegetation at their base. Whitish, changing to chocolate, and hatching after 18 days, or longer – sometimes up to 32-33 days. The micropyle is sunken, the depression being prominent, and the surface-pattern consists of a fine network of very shallow ridges, the cells on the greater part of the surface being triangular or, in some cases, irregularly four-sided, with slight, flattened prominences at the intersections of the ridges. Under high magnifications the cell-surfaces are seen to be irregular in texture. The larva emerges through an opening eaten out of the top of the egg. Larva: 1st instar, 1.5 mm on emergence – or about 1.8 mm if somewhat extended. The later instars are not known – apart form the final one – but the larval life appears to extend over a period of some nine months. The tubercles, in a rudimentary form, are already present in the 1st instar and their extension, simultaneously, has been observed. No observations have been made as yet on any honey-gland in this species and it is only presumed that this is present at a later stage. In the 1st instar the head is very dark brown to black, shiny and bears some pale setae. The body of the larva is pale whitish-grey, with dull red to vinous longitudinal lines and other markings. Neck-shield large, very dark brown to black, with a light central, anterior incision and a smaller posterior one; anal-shield small, dark brown. The main setae on the ridge are short laterally but considerably longer round the extremities of the body. These setae are for the most part of a flattened form and broaden outwardly when viewed from above, and are white with dark or rather dark bases. The dorsal setae in general are short or very short and are largely of a peculiar flattened, rounded form, and they are translucent white, on dark bases. There are a pair of fine erectile setae on segment X dorsally and posteriorly placed, which are translucent and finely branched, and of such a length that they do not reach the anterior edge of the anal-shield during full extension of the larva. Incidentally, some of the setae on the ridge are minutely branched. Lenticles which are present on the body can be seen in the illustrations. (Note the spineless mole in lower left view of the 7th segment, which is common to Poecilmitis [Chrysoritis] and Spindasis [Cigaritis]). The thoracic legs are pale translucent greyish, darkening towards the ends; the first pair very well developed, the second decidedly shorter and the third pair still more so. In the final instar the larva is 15.5 mm in length (measurement of a single specimen only) when at rest and moderately expanded but with the head retracted, and very much of the form of a mature Lepidochrysops larva – ventrally flattened, the dorsum well arched and when viewed from above the larva narrowing noticeably towards each end. Head small, very dark dull brown (apart from a pale division between the lobes) and shiny. Colour of body rather light pinkish-brown, irrorated with dark dull brown, this irroration combining subdorsally, to produce a broad longitudinal line on each side of the larva, while there is another broad line immediately above the lateral ridge. Mediodorsally, there is a broad salmon-coloured line. Segment I is largely dull brown and the final segment is considerably marked with brown. Ventrally, the larva is, on the whole, of a pale brownish-salmon colour. The retractile tubercles appear to have their finely-rimmed dark casings about flush with the surface of the body (that of segment XI). The larva is fringed dorsally with some fine, short, light setae. Pupa: 11-16.5 mm. Moderately thick in proportion to its length. The anterior end rather finely rounded and the pupa then broadening abruptly to the wing-bases; thorax raised dorsally and (in the lateral view) a depression at its juncture with the abdomen. The prothoracic section bearing two small prominences. Greatest width of pupa attained at roughly three-quarters of distance along wing-cases. The abdomen commences curving down dorsally from its third segment and terminates bluntly. From a largely orange-brown colour, the pupa changes gradually to mainly very dark brown, but with some parts, including portions adjoining some of the abdominal segments, orangy-brown (the latter with a somewhat reddish tinge, as well as the extremity of the abdomen). Spiracles small and inconspicuous, with a partial deep orange tinge. A small raised orange-brown patch above the spiracle on each side of the 7th abdominal segment. Cremastral hooks minute and slender, rather sparsely arranged at end of, and more or less beneath, the terminal segment. From pupae taken from ants‟ nests, butterflies have merged [sic] after periods ranging from about one week to three weeks. Pupae of Phasis dicksoni were first found on 20 Oct. 1963, when a

4 nest of the ant Crematogaster peringueyi Emery was being investigated in the butterfly‟s type-locality near Melkbosch Strand. The nests of this ant are constructed partly above and partly below the ground. A second nest was then partly opened up and was found to contain a very large number of larvae and pupae of the butterfly, in about equal numbers, all the larvae seen being full-grown specimens. Besides the ants, there were numerous ant- larvae in these nests and it is assumed that the latter constitute the diet of the larvae of this butterfly. On 26 Aug. a male specimen of Ph. dicksoni, with the wings only slightly expanded, was found in another ants‟ nest.” “Recorded from eggs, larvae and pupae from near Melkbosch Stand, western Cape Province.”

Pringle et al., 1994: 177. “It seems likely that larvae enter the nests [of the host ant] at an early stage, as freshly emerged larvae have always refused to feed on any of the plants that have been used for oviposition. The diet of the larvae is as yet undetermined but, after entering the nests, they possibly subsist on the brood of the ants. The nests in which the early stages of the butterfly have been procured consist largely of dark fibrous or composite material above the ground, but with the runs also extending to some extent below the level of the ground.”

Heath & Brinkman, 1995: 117 [locality not noted]. “Dickson (pers. comm.) stated that the month when the larvae and pupae were discovered as given by Clark & Dickson (1971) was incorrect and that it was August, not October.” “In September 1994, a female O. dicksoni butterfly was captured near Cape Town and induced to oviposit by being placed in a small carton covered by netting, and containing some Phylica stems together with two C. perengueyi ants taken from a nest at the same site. These were replaced by other ants from the same nest every two days. About twenty of the eggs laid by the female were retained for this study and the remainder returned to the O. dicksoni population site and deposited in what seemed to be suitable places, close to associated ant nests and scale infestations. Two arrangements were used for studying the larvae and their relationship with C. perengueyi ants. The first consisted of a raised wooden board, one metre square, with feet in water. A plastic bucket containing sand and a small ants‟ nest (taken from the perimeter of the O. dicksoni population site), together with a potted Phylica plant previously infested with armoured scale, was placed on the wooden board. This was placed in a light, but sheltered, position outside, to allow the plant and scale to survive. The other arrangement consisted of a petri dish containing one or more O. dicksoni larvae and two perengueyi ants; this was placed under the microscope for detailed observations. The ants were replaced every two days by others taken from the nest from which the female had emerged. The ants were fed on honey-water solution and insect carrion.” “The larva [in the petri dish] was seen to raise its front section and beg for food directly in front of the ant. This was repeated several times, together with a vigorous clasping motion of the first pair of legs. However, there was no response from the ant, which remained motionless throughout this process. Eggs and larvae of the ant were placed in the petri dish but the O. dicksoni larvae took no interest, even when walking over them. Three more first instar larvae were placed on a cut piece of Phylica stem infested with armoured scale (but without ants). The larvae settled close to the scale without wandering, and remained alive for four or five days without any sign of feeding.” “A search was made [on 4th Sep., 1994] beneath the Phylica [axillaris Lam.] bush from where the [newly hatched] female had emerged. A slightly convex carton, nest-like structure, about 40mm high and 80 to 100mm wide, could be seen among the stems. It appeared to be the beginnings of a new carton-nest but when probed it was very flimsy. In the process of gathering some ants, five O. dicksoni pupae were seen lodged about 50mm below the ground surface. They were all in an upright position (head uppermost). The female was induced to oviposit, using Phylica stems and C. perengueyi ants; both the plant stems and the ants were taken from where the female had emerged. Well over half of the eggs laid were deposited on the nylon net covering and the sides of the container used to house the female. The female commenced laying the same evening. The female laid about 100 eggs over a period of ten days, stimulated by the original ants but stopped laying for three to four days when replacement peringueyi ants, taken from another locality some 10km distant, were used to induce further oviposition. When ants, taken from where the female had emerged, were re- introduced, the female laid 20 more eggs within the space of a few hours. When the female had exhausted her eggs the female still attempted to oviposit. The female was then released in the original locality and this behaviour continued. The males took no interest in the released female. Another female appeared in the area showing exactly the same behaviour, continuously attempting to oviposit but, presumably, having spent all her eggs. These two were the only females seen at the site, it being assumed that any other females would have left the localized area where the males had congregated earlier. The eggs took between 18 and 20 days to hatch. Ten first instar larvae were placed on Phylica axillaris infested with armoured scale. Each larva positioned itself close to an armoured scale encrustation and remained there, with at least one ant in attendance, almost all the time. The larvae remained resting singly or in pairs at the base of a scale swelling. Each larva rested upon a fine, silken pad which it had constructed; at no time was it seen to leave its pad, its only movement was to turn to face in the opposite direction. On a few occasions a first instar larva was seen to sit up and beg for food from an ant. Mouth contact was briefly made but no feeding was observed, since this was outside without adequate visual aid. After two to three weeks the larvae moulted to the second instar. After a further ten days the ants reduced their attendance and the larvae were often alone. One larva could still be seen on the armoured scale encrustation on 1st November; the others were presumed taken by spiders or had died. 5 Immediately after emergence three of the original larvae were placed in a petri dish (on or about 1st October) upon some small, dry twigs together with two ants (those used to stimulate the female, and taken from where the female had emerged). The ants were replaced every alternate day from a well-fed group of about 20, kept in a separate container. Two of the larvae in the petri dish died within seven to ten days…. (continue on top of p.122)

Heath, 1998: 160.

Chrysoritis dicksoni eggs. Image courtesy Steve Woodhall

Larval food: Suspected to be ant brood [Clark & Dickson, 1971: 189]. Trophallaxis with host-ant [Heath & Brinkman, 1995: 117; Heath, 1998] (Note: Trophallaxis was observed but was not demonstrated by the authors to be responsible for the development of the larvae through all their larval instars). Associated ant: Crematogaster peringueyi Emery [Clark & Dickson, 1971: 189]. Conservation status: Classified as Critically Endangered (Henning et al., 2009: 32).

Relevant literature: Edge & Terblanche, 2010 [Life history and ecology studies]. Pringle, E.L. 1990. Metamorphosis 1 (27): 11.

PHOSPHOR SPECIES-GROUP Characters: Upper side red with dark markings. Male with acute forewing apices and large dark apical patch. Underside hind wing with obscure dark markings on a plain orange-brown background. Male aedoeagus lacks prominent cornuti. Forewing with twelve veins. The only Chrysoritis species with arboreal habits (Heath & Pringle, 2007).

*Chrysoritis phosphor (Trimen, 1864)# Southern Scarlet Flash

Zeritis phosphor Trimen, 1864. Transactions of the Entomological Society of London (3) 2: 178 (175-180). Zeritis phosphor Trimen. Trimen, 1866a. Zeritis phosphor Trimen, 1866. Trimen & Bowker, 1887b. [date of authorship erroneous] Phasis phosphor Trimen. Swanepoel, 1953a. Bowkeria phosphor (Trimen, 1864). Quickelberge 1972 comb. nov. Bowkeria phosphor (Trimen, 1866). Dickson & Kroon, 1978. [date of authorship erroneous] Bowkeria phosphor (Trimen, 1866). Pringle et al., 1994: 226. [date of authorship erroneous] Chrysoritis phosphor (Trimen, 1864). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis phosphor Trimen, 1864. d‟Abrera, 2009: 725.

Alternative common name: Scarce Opal.

6 Type locality: [South Africa]: “Bashee River, Kaffraria”. Distribution: South Africa. Recorded from Mozambique by Cabral (2000) and Congdon et al. (2010) – this needs confirmation (MCW) Habitat: Montane forest. Habits: The flight is rapid. Specimens are rarely seen, quite possibly because they spend most of the time in the forest canopy. Both sexes feed from flowers, those of brambles and chrysanthemums having specifically been noted (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: Most months of the year (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published. Associated ant: Unknown but suspected to be an arboreal Crematogaster species [Heath, 1997: 39].

Chrysoritis phosphor phosphor (Trimen, 1864)# Southern Scarlet Flash

Zeritis phosphor Trimen, 1864. Transactions of the Entomological Society of London (3) 2: 178 (175-180). Zeritis phosphor Trimen. Trimen, 1866a. Zeritis phosphor Trimen, 1866. Trimen & Bowker, 1887b. [date of authorship erroneous] Phasis phosphor Trimen. Swanepoel, 1953a. Bowkeria phosphor phosphor (Trimen, 1864). Quickelberge 1972 comb. nov. Bowkeria phosphor phosphor (Trimen, 1866). Dickson & Kroon, 1978. [date of authorship erroneous] Bowkeria phosphor phosphor (Trimen, 1866). Pringle et al., 1994: 226. [date of authorship erroneous] Chrysoritis phosphor phosphor (Trimen, 1864). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis phosphor Trimen, 1864. d‟Abrera, 2009: 725.

Type locality: [South Africa]: “Bashee River, Kaffraria”. Distribution: South Africa (Eastern Cape Province). Specific localities: Eastern Cape Province – Bashee River (TL; Bowker); „Boolo‟ Forest, Tsomo River (Bowker); Stutterheim area (Pringle et al., 1994); Amatola Mountains (Pringle et al., 1994); Katberg (Pringle et al., 1994); near Fort Beaufort (McMaster).

Chrysoritis phosphor borealis (Quickelberge, 1972)# Northern Scarlet Flash

Bowkeria phosphor borealis Quickelberge, 1972. Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 84: 90 (85-94). Bowkeria phosphor borealis Quickelberge, 1972. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Bowkeria phosphor borealis Quickelberge, 1972. Pringle et al., 1994: 226. Chrysoritis phosphor borealis (Quickelberge, 1972). Heath, 1997 comb. nov.

7 Chrysoritis phosphor borealis. Left – male upperside. Right – female upperside. Images courtesy Steve Woodhall.

Type locality: South Africa: “Yellowwoods, Natal”. Diagnosis: Differs from the nominate subspecies in that the forewings are more pointed; hindwing tail longer and straighter; male brighter on upperside of wings; on the forewing upperside the mark at the end of the cell is a streak rather than a spot; less intense black suffusion on hindwing upperside; ground-colour on underside darker (Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa (Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal). Recorded from Mozambique by Cabral (2000) and Congdon et al. (2010) – this needs confirmation (MCW) Specific localities: Mpumalanga – Kowyn‟s Pass (Swanepoel, 1953); near Barberton (Pringle et al., 1994). KwaZulu-Natal – Yellowwoods, near Balgowan (TL; Pennington); Balgowan – Methleys (Swanepoel, 1953); Eshowe (Higgins); Karkloof Falls area (Pennington).

Note: D‟Abrera (2009: 725) treats borealis as a synonym of phosphor but does not formally synonymize them.

CHRYSAOR SPECIES-GROUP Characters: Upper side glossy yellowish-orange to reddish-orange with narrow dark margins. Under side of hindwing yellow to reddish-brown and occasionally with a greenish tinge, sometimes spots showing through obscurely from upper side. Male aedoeagus lacks cornuti. Forewing with twelve veins (Heath & Pringle, 2007).

*Chrysoritis chrysaor (Trimen, 1864)# Burnished Opal

Zeritis chrysaor Trimen, 1864. Transactions of the Entomological Society of London (3) 2: 177 (175-180). Zeritis chrysaor Trimen. Trimen, 1866a. Zeritis chrysaor Trimen, 1864. Trimen & Bowker, 1887b. Phasis chrysaor Trimen. Swanepoel, 1953a. Phasis lycia Riley. Swanepoel, 1953a. [synonym of Chrysoritis chrysaor] Poecilmitis chrysaor (Trimen, 1864). Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis lycia Riley, 1938. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. [synonym of Chrysoritis chrysaor] Poecilmitis chrysaor (Trimen, 1864). Pringle et al., 1994: 211. Poecilmitis lycia Riley, 1938. Pringle et al., 1994: 211. [synonym of Chrysoritis chrysaor] Poecilmitis chrysaor (Trimen, 1864). Ackery et al., 1995: 571. Chrysoritis chrysaor (Trimen, 1864). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis chrysaor Trimen, 1864. d‟Abrera, 2009: 725.

Chrysoritis chrysaor. Male (Wingspan 25 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Bushman‟s River Mouth, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. 12 December 2003. M.C. Williams Collection.

Chrysoritis chrysaor male (Wingspan 24 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Spioenkop Farm, Springfontein, Free State Province, South Africa 16 October, 2005. J. Dobson. Images courtesy of Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Chrysoritis chrysaor. Female (Wingspan 27 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Near Frankfort, Free State Province, South Africa. 3 December 2011. M.C. Williams Collection.

Chrysoritis chrysaor female (Wingspan 26 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Vrede, Free State Province, South Africa 22 January, 2006. J. Dobson. Images courtesy of Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Type locality: [South Africa]: “Cape Colony, British Kaffraria and Kaffraria”. Distribution: South Africa (Mpumalanga, Free State Province, Eastern Cape Province, Western Cape Province, Northern Cape Province), Lesotho. Specific localities: Mpumalanga – Balfour (Heath & Pringle, 2007). Free State Province – Golden Gate Highlands National Park (Williams, unpublished); Spioenkop Farm, Springfontein (J. & C. Dobson; male illustrated above); Vrede (J. & C. Dobson; female illustrated above). Eastern Cape Province – Steynsburg (Pennington); Bushman‟s River Mouth (Williams). Western Cape Province – Matjiesfontein (Turner); just south of Leipoldville (Dickson); Tygerberg Hills (Dickson, 1943); Nardouwsberg, Clanwilliam District (Pringle et al., 1994); Yzerfontein (Pringle et al., 1994); Witsand (Heath & Pringle, 2007); Kleinmond (Heath & Pringle, 2007); Calitzdorp (Heath & Pringle, 2007); Beaufort West (Heath & Pringle, 2007); Gamka Mountain Nature Reserve (Heath & Pringle, 2007); Mamre (Heath & Pringle, 2007); Melkbosstrand (Heath & Pringle, 2007); Prince Albert (Heath & Pringle, 2007). Lesotho – Sehonghong Valley (Williams, unpublished). Habitat: A variety of habitats, including savanna, fynbos, karoo and grassland at altitudes from sea

9 level to 2 000 metres (Pringle et al., 1994). A population was found at about 2 600 m, above the Sehonghong Valley in Lesotho (Williams, unpublished). Habits: The flight is fast but specimens frequently settle. Males often establish territories along rocky ridges, using a shrub as a perch. In the Karoo, dry stream beds are often frequented. Both sexes are occasionally seen at flowers (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: All year at low altitudes; summer months at higher altitudes (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages:

Dickson, 1943: 37.

Clark & Dickson, 1952: 26 [Tygerberg Hills, Western Cape]. “The known food-plants used by this butterfly are Cotyledon orbiculata and Zygophyllum sessilifolium. The eggs are laid singly on stalks or leaves and are 0.8 mm. diameter by 0.45 mm. high. They are a dull green yellow when laid but change to whitish or pale grey. They hatch after 14 days. The young larva is 1.5 mm. on hatching and passes through 8 instars to a final length of 18.5 mm. in 21-30 weeks. The larvae throughout are rather flat. The tubercles are present in the first instar but the honeygland [sic] is only apparent from the 2nd instar. At first the larva is light stone with a touch of yellow and marked with brown to red stripes astride the dorsum. It changes to pale green with red to brown marking and in the final instar it is pale brownish grey with a greenish tint but the colour is variable. The stripes on the upper portion are pronounced and reddish brown, darkening toward the end. The lines, on the side, are thinner and reddish brown. There is a dark shield on the first and final segments. The larva is associated with ants. The pupa is about 11 mm. and various shades of brown. In captivity it chooses a space between leaves and lines it with a light web. The butterfly emerges after 16-18 days”. [Black and white illustrations of the egg, final instar larva and pupa are on the plate facing p. 12].

Larval food: Chrysanthemoides incana (Burm.f.) Norl. (Asteraceae) [Heath et al. 2008: 139]. Cotyledon orbiculata L. (Crassulaceae) [Dickson, 1943: 37]. Rhus species (Anacardiaceae) [Dickson, 1943: 37; oviposition only]. Roepera sessilifolia (L.) Beier & Thulin (Zygophyllaceae) [Dickson, 1943: 37; in captivity; as Zygophyllum sessilifolium L.]. Tetraena retrofracta (Thunb.) Beier & Thulin (Zygophyllaceae) [Heath, 1997a: 39; as Zygophyllum retrofractum Thunb.]. Tylecodon paniculatus (L.f.) Toelken (Crassulaceae) [Pringle et al., 1994: 211; for Poecilmitis lycia]. Vachellia karroo (Hayne) Banfi & Galasso (Fabaceae) [Heath, 1997a: 39; as sp. of Acacia (requires confirmation according to Heath et al., 2008)]. Associated ant: Crematogaster liengmei For. race weitzaeckeri Emery [Dickson, 1943: 37]. Crematogaster species 4 (SAM-HYM C009862) [Heath, 1997a: 39]. Crematogaster species near liengmei For. [Heath, 1997a: 39]. Crematogaster liengmei For. [Heath, 2001: 87].

lycia (Riley, 1938) (as a sp. of Poecilmitis). Transactions of the Royal Entomological Society of London 87: 242 (233-245). South Africa: “Cape Province, Matjesfontein”. Synonymized with chrysaor Trimen, 1864 by Heath, 2001: 87. Note: Notwithstanding Heath, 2001: 87, d‟Abrera (2009: 725) treats lycia as a valid species, without formally changing its status.

*Chrysoritis midas (Pennington, 1962)# Midas Opal

Poecilmitis midas Pennington, 1962. Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa 25: 272 (266-286). Poecilmitis midas Pennington, 1962. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Chrysoritis midas (Pennington, 1962). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis midas Pennington, 1963. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726. [date of authorship erroneous].

Chrysoritis midas. Male (Wingspan 26 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Sutherland, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. 18 October 2008. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Chrysoritis midas. Female (Wingspan 28 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Sutherland, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. 18 October 2008. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: South Africa: “Oukloof Poort, Nieuwveld Mountains (C.P.) 50 miles from Beaufort West”. Diagnosis: Characterized by its dark underside, more reddish upperside ground-colour, and broader marginal band on the forewing upperside (Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province, Northern Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – Oukloof Poort (Pennington; TL); Nuweveld Mountains (Dickson). Northern Cape Province – Roggeveld Escarpment (Pringle et al., 1994). Habitat: The tops of cliffs and rocky ridges at altitudes of about 1 500 m in the Nama Karoo (Pringle et al., 1994). Habits: Appears to associate with a low, grey shrub on which it perches, taking fast flights every now and again (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: October and November are the only months recorded (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages:

Heath & Fisher, 2010.

Larval food: Diospyros austro-africana De Winter var. microphylla (Burch.) De Winter (Ebenaceae) [Heath, 1997: 39]. Associated ant: Crematogaster peringueyi Emery [Heath, 1997: 39].

*Chrysoritis natalensis (van Son, 1966)# Natal Opal

Natal Opal (Chrysoritis natalensis). Male upperside (left), female upperside (centre) and female underside (right). Images courtesy Steve Woodhall.

Poecilmitis natalensis van Son, 1966. Annals of the Transvaal Museum 25: 84 (81-89). Poecilmitis natalensis Van Son, 1966. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis natalensis Van Son, 1966. Pringle et al., 1994: 211. Chrysoritis natalensis (van Son, 1966). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis natalensis van Son, 1966. d‟Abrera, 2009: 725.

Chrysoritis natalensis male (Wingspan 27 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Oribi Gorge, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa 10 December, 2002. J. Dobson. Images courtesy of Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Chrysoritis natalensis female (Wingspan 30 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Umtumvuna Gorge, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa 4 January, 2004. J. Dobson. Images courtesy of Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Type locality: South Africa: “Howick (Natal)”. Diagnosis: Closest to Chrysoritis chrysaor, from which it differs as follows: hindwing caudally elongated with a well-developed anal lobe; on the upperside of the wings the spotting is better developed; on upperside of the hindwing a discocellular bar is present (Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape Province). Specific localities: KwaZulu-Natal – Howick (TL); near Durban (Pringle et al., 1994); Pietermaritzburg (Pringle et al., 1994); Greytown (Pringle et al., 1994); Oribi Gorge (J. & C. Dobson; male illustrated above); Umtumvuna Gorge (J. &. C. Dobson; female illustrated above); Oslo Beach (Heath et al., 2008). 12 Eastern Cape Province – Coffee Bay (Southey); Cintsa East (the Dobsons). Habitat: Coastal bush and thornveld savanna (Pringle et al., 1994). Habits: Specimens dart about, settling frequently on flowers, shrubs and trees. They are usually found near their larval host-plants. Both sexes feed from flowers. Males defend territories from perches on prominent shrubs (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: All year on the coast (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages:

Henning, in Pringle et al., 1994: 211 [as Poecilmitis natalensis; locality not noted]. “G.A. Henning found larvae and pupae of this insect concealed in small shelters, which consisted of dried leaves attached by silk to the base of the foodplant, and attended by Crematogaster ants.”

Larval food: Cotyledon orbiculata L. (Crassulaceae) [Dickson & Kroon, 1978, vide Heath, 1997: 39]. Crysanthemoides incana (Burm.f.) Norl. (Asteraceae) [Kroon, 1999]. Osteospermum moniliferum L. (as Chrysanthemoides monilifera (L.) Norl. (Asteraceae) [Dickson & Kroon, 1978 vide Heath, 1997: 39]. Associated ant: Crematogaster species [Henning, G., in Pringle et al., 1994: 211; locality not noted]. Crematogaster liengmei For. (Myrmicinae) [Heath et al., 2008; Oslo Beach, KwaZulu-Natal].

*Chrysoritis aethon (Trimen, 1887)# Lydenburg Opal

Male Lydenburg Opal (Chrysoritis aethon). Images courtesy Steve Woodhall (left) and Raimund Schutte (right).

Zeritis aethon Trimen, 1887. South-African butterflies: a monograph of the extra-tropical species 2 Erycinidae and Lycaenidae: 176 (242 pp.). London. Phasis aethon Trimen. Swanepoel, 1953a. Poecilmitis aethon (Trimen, 1887). Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis aethon (Trimen and Bowker, 1887). Pringle et al., 1994: 210. Poecilimitis aethon (Trimen, 1887). Ackery et al., 1995. Chrysoritis aethon (Trimen, 1887). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis aethon Trimen, 1887. d‟Abrera, 2009: 724.

Chrysoritis aethon. Male (Wingspan 26 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Pilgrims Rest, Mpumalanga, South Africa. 21 September 2002. J. Dobson. Images courtesy J. & C. Dobson.

Chrysoritis aethon. Female (Wingspan 30 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Long Tom Pass, Mpumalanga, South Africa. 4 January 2006. J. Dobson. Images courtesy J. & C. Dobson.

Type locality: [South Africa]: “Transvaal; Lydenburg District”. Original description: “Exp. al., male 1 in. 2 lin.; female 1 in 3 lin. Male. Metallic golden-red, deeper than in Chrysaor, spotted and narrowly bordered with black. Fore-wing: hind-marginal border rather broader than in Chrysaor, its inner edge more regularly and deeply indented with the ground-colour on nervules; terminal disco-cellular spot and spots of discal row larger and much broader; the latter arranged as in Chrysaor, with the exception of the sixth (lowest) spot, which is minute and immediately below, not beyond, the fifth. Hind-wing: hind-marginal border rather broader; discal row of spots very differently arranged, - the first (upper-most) spot being isolated from the others and considerably nearer origin of first subcostal nervule than in Chrysaor, - the second much nearer termination of that nervule, and with the third and fourth forming a nearly straight transverse row as far as third median nervule, - the fifth and seventh wanting, and the sixth minute but occupying the same position (between first and second median nervules) as in Chrysaor. Under side: Hind-wing and narrow apical border of fore-wing pale creamy-ferruginous. Fore-wing: pale orange-yellow almost to costal edge (which has an almost linear border of pale creamy-ferruginous), and quite to hind-margin below second median nervule; a slender dark- red line on extreme edge of hind-margin; all the spots very much thinner than above; two spots in cell reduced to mere dots, and spot beneath cell very small; an incomplete submarginal row of very small spots; only two minute costal spots, upper part of terminal disco-cellular spot, first and second spots of discal row, and upper three spots of submarginal row filled with metallic-golden scales. Hind-wing: the following slender dark-ferruginous markings interiorly rather conspicuously edged with subdued-silvery, viz., a spot near costa before middle, a terminal disc-cellular striola, and a spot and two separate striolae representing and following the course of the disjointed discal row of spots on the upper side; a very indistinct submarginal greyish suffused streak, and a very indistinct small ferruginous spot in discoidal cell. Cilia grey, with nervular blackish interruptions. Female. Less metallic than male. Fore-wing: last spot of discal row larger; a minute spot just above and slightly beyond terminal disco-cellualar spot, and another just below origin of first median nervule. Hind-wing: spots of discal row larger, especially the sixth, - the fifth spot present. Under side: as in male, but all the markings more distinct. Hind-wing: the two discal striolae almost united on first median nervule.” Diagnosis: Distinguished from Chrysoritis lycegenes by the well-marked row of discal spots on upperside of the forewing and by a row of discal spots on upperside of hindwing (Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa (Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal), Swaziland (Duke et al., 1999). Specific localities: Mpumalanga – Lydenburg district (TL); Verloren Vallei Nature Reserve (Warren, 1990); Waterval Boven (Owen-Johnston, 1991); Mariepskop (Pringle et al., 1994); Kowyn‟s Pass, near Graskop (Pringle et al., 1994); Kastrol Nek, near Wakkerstroom (Kroon); Sterkspruit Nature Reserve (Williams; male and female illustrated above); Buffelskloof Nature Reserve (Williams); 14 Dullstroon district. KwaZulu-Natal – Vryheid district (Pringle et al., 1994); Utrecht (Pringle et al., 1994); Mount Mgwibi (Pennington). Swaziland – Malolotja Nature Reserve (www.sntc.org.sz). Habitat: Rocky areas in montane grassland. Habits: Found in small colonies within confined areas, near groups of large rocks, among which the shrub that is its larval host plant grows. Males establish territories among the rocks, using a low shrub as a perch. Both sexes frequently feed from flowers low down in the grass (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: October to March (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages:

Steele, R., 1991: 4 [Metamorphosis 2(1): 4] [as Poecilmitis aethon; Graskop, Mpumalanga].

Owen-Johnston, 1991: 49 [as Poecilmitis aethon; near Waterval Boven, Mpumalanga].

Larval food: Crassula species (Crassulaceae) [Heath, 2001]. Diospyros species (Ebenaceae) [Woodhall, 2005a]. Rhus zeyheri Sond. (Anacardiaceae) [Steele, R., 1991: 4]. Associated ant: Crematogaster species [Owen-Johnston, 1991: 49]. Crematogaster liengmei (Myrmicinae) [Heath, 2001].

*Chrysoritis aureus (van Son, 1966)# Heidelberg Opal

Male Heidelburg Opal (Chrysoritis aureus) upperside (left) and underside (right). Images courtesy Raimund Schutte (left) and Steve Woodhall (right).

Poecilmitis aureus van Son, 1966. Annals of the Transvaal Museum 25: 82 (81-89). Poecilmitis aureus Van Son, 1966. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis aureus Van Son, 1966. Pringle et al., 1994: 210. Chrysoritis aureus (van Son, 1966). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis aureus van Son, 1966. d‟Abrera, 2009: 725.

Chrysoritis aureus male (Wingspan 26 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Greylingstad, Mpumalanga, South Africa. 7 January, 2006. Images courtesy of Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Chrysoritis aureus female (Wingspan 30 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Greylingstad, Mpumalanga, South Africa 7 January, 2006. Images courtesy of Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Alternative common name: Golden Opal. Type locality: South Africa: “Heidelburg (TVL. [Transvaal])”. Diagnosis: May be distinguished from Chrysoritis aethon by the following: ground-colour paler; forewing upperside discal row of spots more obliquely positioned in areas 4, 5 and 6; forewing underside discal spot in area 3 positioned more basad, and discal spot in area 2 enlarged and elongated; reduction of all the black spots on the upperside of the wings (Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa (Mpumalanga, Gauteng). Specific localities: Mpumalanga – near Greylingstad (G. Henning; male and female illustrated above). Gauteng – near Heidelburg (TL; Barrett and Coetzee; proclaimed as a National Heritage Site); Alice Glockner Nature Reserve (G. Henning and Roos); Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve (Cottrell). Habitat: Bankenveld grassland. Flight period: December and March are the months recorded (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages:

Henning, S.F., 1980: 45 [as Poecilmitis aureus; Heidelberg, Gauteng]. Females oviposit on the foodplant and on rocks near the pheromone trails of the host ant. Eggs are laid singly and are white at first, becoming pinkish in colour after a few hours. Young larvae feed on the surface of the leaves while older larvae feed from the edges. During the day older larvae shelter under nearby rocks, constantly attended by ants. The site of pupation could not be established. Pupae are attached to the substrate by cremastral hooks and are dark brown to black in colour.

Henning, S.F., 1983a: 72 [as Poecilmitis aureus; Heidelberg, Gauteng].

Larval food: Clutia pulchella L. (Euphorbiaceae) [Henning, S., 1980: 45]. Diospyros lycioides Desf. (Ebenaceae) [Terblanche & Van Hamburg, 2004]. Associated ant: Crematogaster species [Henning, S., 1980: 45]. Crematogaster liengmei (Myrmecinae) [Heath, 2001]. Conservation status: Classified as Vulnerable (Henning et al., 2009: 30).

Left: Habitat of Chrysoritis aureus near Balfour, Mpumalanga. Right: Host-plant (Clutia pulchella). Images courtesy Raimund Schutte.

Relevant literature: Terblanche et al., 2003 [Vegetation analysis of habitat]. Henning, G., 1998a Henning, G., 1998d

*Chrysoritis lyncurium (Trimen, 1868)# Tsomo River Opal

Zeritis lyncurium Trimen, 1868. Transactions of the Entomological Society of London 1868: 86 (69-96). Zeritis lyncurium Trimen, 1868. Trimen & Bowker, 1887b. Phasis lyncurium Trimen. Swanepoel, 1953a. Poecilmitis lyncurium (Trimen, 1868). Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis lyncurium (Trimen, 1868). Pringle et al., 1994: 210. Poecilmitis lyncurium (Trimen, 1868). Ackery et al., 1995. Chrysoritis lyncurium (Trimen, 1868). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis lyncurium Trimen, 1868. d‟Abrera, 2009: 725.

Chrysoritis lyncurium. Female (Wingspan 25 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Bushman‟s Nek, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. 2 January 2008. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: [South Africa]: “near the River Tsomo”. Diagnosis: Most similar to Chrysoritis lycegenes, from which it can be differentiated by: on the hindwing upperside the broadly darkened base and costa; on the upperside of the forewing the broader marginal border and the suppressed discal row of spots (Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape Province). Specific localities: KwaZulu-Natal – near Kokstad (Pringle et al., 1994); Bushman‟s Nek (Pringle et al., 1994). Eastern Cape Province – near the Tsomo River (TL; Bowker); near the Mbulu Forest (Pennington); near Mount Ayliff (Wykeham; single record). Habitat: Rocky ridges, with shrubs, in grassland. Habits: Specimens have been seen feeding from the yellow flowers of a small plant (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Diospyros species (Ebenaceae) [Owen-Johnson, 1991, vide Heath, 1997: 39]. 17 Myrsine species (Myrsinaceae) [Henning, S., & Henning, G., 1989: 93]. Royena species (Ebenaceae) [Henning, S., & Henning, G., 1989: 93] (Note: All species of Royena have been moved to Diospyros or Euclea). Associated ant: Crematogaster species 1 (SAM-HYM C009251) [Heath, 1997: 39]. Crematogaster liengmei (Myrmecinae) [Heath et al. 2008: 140]. Conservation status: Classified as Vulnerable (Henning et al., 2009: 31).

*Chrysoritis lycegenes (Trimen, 1874)# Mooi River Opal

Mooi River Opal (Chrysoritis lycegenes). Male upperside (left), female upperside (centre) and female underside (right). Images courtesy Steve Woodhall.

Zeritis lycegenes Trimen, 1874. Transactions of the Entomological Society of London 1874: 337 (329-341). Zeritis lycegenes Trimen, 1874. Trimen & Bowker, 1887b. Phasis lycegenes Trimen. Swanepoel, 1953a. Poecilmitis lycegenes (Trimen, 1874). Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis lycegenes (Trimen, 1874). Pringle et al., 1994: 210. Poecilmitis lycegenes (Trimen, 1874). Ackery et al., 1995. Chrysoritis lycegenes (Trimen, 1874). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis lycegenes Trimen, 1874. d‟Abrera, 2009: 725.

Chrysoritis lycegenes. Male underside. Image courtesy Steve Woodhall.

Type locality: [South Africa]: “Natal”. Distribution: South Africa (Mpumalanga, Free State Province, KwaZulu-Natal). Specific localities: Mpumalanga – Kastrol Nek, near Wakkerstroom (Pringle et al., 1994); Groenvlei, near Volksrust (Pringle et al., 1994).

18 Free State Province – near Harrismith (Pringle et al., 1994). KwaZulu-Natal – near Mooi River (Morant; TL); near Balgowan (Wells and Schofield); near Karkloof (S. Henning, 1983a); Wing Walk Farm, Karkloof. Habitat: Rocky outcrops, with shrubs, in grassland (Pringle et al., 1994). Habits: The flight is brisk, specimens settling frequently, on shrubs or grass stems, often remaining perched for long periods (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: Double-brooded, appearing at the end of September and again in late December (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages:

Clark & Dickson, 1971: 161, plate 80 [as Poecilmitis lycegenes; near Balgowan, KwaZulu-Natal]. “Egg: 0.9 mm diam. x 0.55 mm high, dome-shaped and of a grey colour, changing to chocolate. Eggs are laid singly on the stalks or leaves. There are some 30, very thin, dark coloured longitudinal ribs, cut by reversed diagonal ribs forming a triangular pattern, the intersections being punctuated by small moles. The eggs hatch after some 9 days. Larva: 1st instar 1.25 mm, growing to 2.5 mm in 6 days; 2nd instar growing to 3.5 mm in 6-10 days; 3rd instar growing to 5.5 mm in 6-16 days; 4th instar growing to 9.5-10 mm in 10-13 days; 5th instar growing to 13.5 mm in 28 days; 6th instar growing to 17.5 mm in 22 days. The honey-gland is present in the 2nd and subsequent instars. The tubercles are present in all instars, developing from a simple, elongated mole which can only be unfolded „in and out‟, to a fleshy eversile projection bearing 8 barbed spines, with which the vicinity of the honey-gland can be dusted. Young larvae feed on either the upper or under surface of young leaves but, as they grow, they feed on the edge and, later, starting from the tip, they eat the whole leaf. They rest on the centre of a well-concealed leaf. The colour is, at first, pinkish, changing to dull yellow, pale yellow-green or pale yellow brown. The strips [sic] on the body are of shades of green or brown. The ventral portions are pale green. Larvae are attended by ants, the association being a close one. Ants are a necessity to the larvae, to keep the honey-gland clean. There is more than one brood. Pupation takes place in dried leaf-shelters. Pupa: 10-10.5 mm. Secured within a leaf-shelter, by the cremastral hooks. It is green at first but soon turns a dark nut-brown. Emergence takes place after 18 to 26 days, unless hibernation sets in. Although this species is close to some of the other Poecilmites, the egg is not in the same group as those of the others. The early stages of P. lycegenes were discovered by Mr. R.W. Wells, near Balgowan, Natal, and the record of the life-history was made from material which he kindly furnished, from this locality.”

Henning, S. 1983a: 71 [near Karkloof, KwaZulu-Natal]. “This species was bred from eggs, larvae and pupae collected near Karkloof in Natal. It fed on several plant species in the study area including the following: Royena hirsuta L., Diospyros lycioides Desf. (Ebenaceae), Myrsine africana L. (Myrsinaceae), and Rhus sp. (Anacardiaceae). The larvae were attended on the plants by the ant Crematogaster liengmei For. which were also tending coccids on the same plants. The female P. lycegenes appears to lay only where the C. liengmei ants occur, since the females were observed to oviposit directly on the foodplant only when the ants were present. The females had also been observed to oviposit on stones and pieces of grass along the well established pheromone trails of the ants leading from their nests to the plants. One female was watched for two hours during which time she laid a number of eggs along the ants‟ pheromone trail. She laid on the ground, pieces of dead and living grass and stones all within 10 mm of the trail. The ants generally followed the same path every day to and from the plants where they tended the coccids and the lycaenids. A colony of C. liengmei was kept in a formicarium with a permanent food source and a plant with a number of coccids feeding on it. The ants laid a permanent trail some 30 cm long to the food source and from there another trail about 100 cm long to the plant. The trail to the plant was perfectly straight and direct. Over a period of weeks the trail pheromone deposited by the ants discoloured the paper on the floor of the formicarium. The width of the discoloured area varied between 1-2 mm. The ants when moving on this trail did not deviate more than 7 mm on either side of the trail pheromone. Over the weeks the paper in the formicarium had become covered in a fine layer of greyish dust, except for the area on either side of the discoloured trail where it had become dislodged by the movement of the ants along the trail. When looking at the formicarium the path followed by the ants was quite obvious, consisting of a straight white band some 15 mm wide with a dark centre nearly 2 mm broad running nearly the length of the arena. It appeared that the female P. lycegenes can detect the trail pheromone laid by the ants and oviposits near it, probably within the area of deviation by the ants. The ants picked up the newly emerged P. lycegenes larvae and carried them to the plants, as other ant species have been recorded doing with homopterans. The young P. lycegenes larvae fed on either the upper or under surfaces of the leaves but, as they grew, they fed on the edge and later, starting from the tip, they ate the whole leaf. The young larvae sheltered on the centre of a leaf that is well concealed. As the larvae got older they left the plants during the day and sheltered, usually several together, and always attended by ants, under nearby rocks. If the ants‟ nest was near enough they would shelter in it. The larvae found their way back to the plants by following the pheromone trails of the ants. The honey-gland was present in the second and subsequent instars. The tubercles were present in all instars, developing from a simple elongated mole which could only be unfolded „in and out‟, to a fleshy eversile projection bearing 8 spiculate setae. The larvae produced large quantities of fluid from the honey-gland upon which the ants fed. The ants were apparently necessary to keep the honey-gland clean because larvae kept in 19 captivity without ants soon developed a fungal infection in the gland and died. Attempts were made to remove the excess fluid produced by the gland with pieces of blotting paper, but this procedure was usually unsuccessful. Clark and Dickson (1971) recorded that the larvae pupated within leaf-shelters, but in the colony studied at Karkloof twelve pupae were found within the brood chamber of the ants‟ nest, while only one was found on the host plant. The pupae were attached by their cremastral hooks and were dark brown in colour.”

Chrysoritis lycegenes. Left – Third instar larva. Right – Final instar larva with attendant Crematogaster ants. Images courtesy Steve Woodhall

Larval food: Chrysanthemoides monilifera (L.) Norl. (Asteraceae) [Pringle et. al., 1994: 210]. Diospyros austro-africana De Winter var. rubriflora (De Winter) De Winter (Ebenaceae) [Clark & Dickson, 1971: 161; as Royena hirsuta L.]. Diospyros lycioides Desf. (Ebenaceae) [Henning, S., 1983: 71]. Myrsine africana L. (Myrsinaceae) [Clark & Dickson, 1971: 161]. Rhus species (Anacardiaceae) [Henning, S., 1983: 71]. Associated ant: Crematogaster liengmei For. [Henning, S., 1983: 71]. Crematogaster species 1 (SAM-HYM C009860) [Heath, 1997: 39].

ZEUXO SPECIES-GROUP Characters: Upper side orange with broad dark margins and dark quadrate spots. Underside of hind wing greyish-brown to orange with a weak reticulate pattern of spots outlined in a darker shade. Forewing apex pointed. Male aedoeagus contains cornuti. Foodplant confined to species of Chrysanthemoides. Forewings with ten or eleven veins (Heath & Pringle, 2007).

*Chrysoritis zeuxo (Linnaeus, 1764)# Jitterbug Daisy Copper

Papilio zeuxo Linnaeus, 1764. Museum Ludovicae Ulricae Reginae: 331 (720 pp.). Holmiae. Zeritis zeuxo Linnaeus. Trimen, 1866a. Zeritis zeuxo (Linnaeus, 1764). Trimen & Bowker, 1887b. Phasis zeuxo Linnaeus. Swanepoel, 1953a. Chrysoritis zeuxo (Linnaeus, 1764). Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Chrysoritis zeuxo (Linnaeus, 1764). Pringle et al., 1994: 208. Chrysoritis zeuxo (Linnaeus, 1764). Heath, 1997. Chrysoritis zeuxo Linnaeus, 1764. d‟Abrera, 2009: 728.

Chrysoritis zeuxo zeuxo female. Left – upperside; right – underside. Muizenberg, Western Cape Province, South Africa 14 December, 2005. Images courtesy Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Alternative common name: Jitterbug Opal. Type locality: [South Africa]: “Cap. b. Spei”. Lectotype designated by Honey & Scoble, 2001: 393. Distribution: South Africa. Habitat: Subcoastal Fynbos. Habits: This species is closely associated with the larval host-plant and occurs in discrete, small, populations. It flies rather slowly, in the vicinity of the host-plant, often resting on it or on nearby shrubs and bushes (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: September to January (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages:

Clark & Dickson, 1952: 27 [as Poecilmitis zeuxo; locality not noted].

Dickson, 1952: 447 [Trans. Roy. Soc. S.A. 33: 447-456].

Clark & Dickson, 1971: 165, plate 82 [as Poecilmitis zeuxo; near Cape Town, Western Cape Province]. “Egg: 0.8 mm diam. x 0.5 mm high. Creamy white or pale grey and later pale chocolate. Generally laid singly, on a leaf or stalk. Eggs hatch after 11-13 days. The discarded shell is not eaten. Larva: 1st instar 1.25 mm, growing to 2.5 mm in 10 days; 2nd instar growing to 3.5 mm in 20 days; 3rd instar growing to 5.5 mm (duration of instar not ascertained); 4th instar growing to 7.5 mm in 48 days; 5th instar growing to 10 mm in 78 days; 6th instar growing to 13 mm in 107 days; 7th instar growing to 17 mm in 44 days. The tubercles are present in all instars but the honey-gland makes its first appearance in the 2nd instar. The young larva feeds on the surface of a leaf, first eating a small hole, which gradually extends into a trough into which the larva crawls and, with its long lateral setae overlapping the edge, it is easily overlooked. Later, the larva is concealed in a “nest”, which it makes by joining leaves together. The duration of the instars is very variable and there seems to be only one brood, with the emergences spread out over a fairly long period. Pupa: 10.5 mm. Secured to its shelter by cremastral hooks. The pupal state varies but emergence may take place after 19 days.” “Recorded from eggs and larvae from near Cape Town.”

Larval food: Chrysanthemoides incana (Burm.f.) Norl. (Asteraceae) [Kroon, 1999]. Chrysanthemoides monilifera (L.) Norl. (Asteraceae) [Dickson, 1952, vide Heath, 1997: 40; subspecies zeuxo]. Chrysanthemoides monilifera (L.) Norl. (Asteraceae) [Dickson, 1975, vide Heath et al., 2008: 140; subspecies cottrelli]. Chrysanthemoides species (Asteraceae) [Clark & Dickson, 1952: 27]. Associated ant: Crematogaster species 1 (SAM-HYM C009864) [Heath, 1997: 40; subspecies zeuxo]. Crematogaster species 7 (SAM-HYM C007956) [Heath, 1997: 40; subspecies cottrelli]. Crematogaster liengmei For. [Heath, 2001: 90; for both subspecies].

Chrysoritis zeuxo zeuxo (Linnaeus, 1764)# 21 Jitterbug Daisy Copper

Chrysoritis zeuxo zeuxo female. Left – upperside; right – underside. Muizenberg, Western Cape Province, South Africa 14 December, 2005. Images courtesy Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Type locality: [South Africa]: “Cap. b. Spei”. Lectotype designated by Honey & Scoble, 2001: 393. Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – Cape Peninsula (Pringle et al., 1994); Hermanus (Rossouw); Die Kelders (Sipser); Cape Agulhas (Pringle et al., 1994); Stilbaai (Pringle et al., 1994); Witsand (Pringle et al., 1994); Greyton (Kaplan); Cape Infanta (Geertsema); Seven Weeks Poort (Pennington); near Outdshoorn (Heath); Gamka Mountain, Calitzdorp district (Pringle et al., 1994).

Chrysoritis zeuxo cottrelli (Dickson, 1975)# Cottrell‟s Daisy Copper

Poecilmitis cottrelli Dickson, 1975. Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 87: 225 (225-231). Chrysoritis cottrelli (Dickson, 1975). Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Chrysoritis cottrelli (Dickson, 1975). Pringle et al., 1994: 209. = Chrysoritis zeuxo (Linneaus, 1764). Heath, 2001: 90. syn. n. Chrysoritis zeuxo cottrelli (Dickson, 1975). Heath & Pringle 2007: 32. = Chrysoritis zeuxo (Linneaus, 1764)) stat. n. = Chrysoritis zeuxo (Linneaus, 1764). d‟Abrera 2009: 728. syn. nov. Chrysoritis zeuxo cottrelli (Dickson, 1975). Heath & Pringle, 2011: 4. stat. rev.

Type locality: South Africa: “Western Cape Province: Nr. Spitzkop, Buffelsnek Forestry, Knysna”. Distribution: South Africa (Eastern Cape Province, Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Eastern Cape Province – Elands River, 150 km west of Port Elizabeth (Clark). Western Cape Province – Near Spitzkop, Buffersnek Forestry (TL); Knysna district (Cottrell); Buffelsnek Forestry Station (the Pringles); 20 km west of Buffelsnek (Heath and Brinkman); Millwood Nature Reserve (Heath & Pringle, 2007); Kammanassie (Heath & Pringle, 2007).

*Chrysoritis zonarius (Riley, 1938)#

22 Donkey Daisy Copper

Phasis zeuxo zonarius Riley, 1938. Transactions of the Royal Entomological Society of London 87: 239 (233-245). Phasis zonarius Riley. Swanepoel, 1953a. Chrysoritis zonarius (Riley, 1938). Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Chrysoritis zonarius (Riley, 1938). Pringle et al., 1994: 208. Chrysoritis zonarius (Riley, 1938). Heath, 1997. Chrysoritis zonarius Riley, 1938. d‟Abrera, 2009: 728.

Chrysoritis zonarius zonarius. Male (Wingspan 20 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Atlantis, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 3 October 2010. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Alternative common name: Donkey Opal. Type locality: South Africa: “near Melkbosch Strand, Cape Province”. Diagnosis: Similar to Chrysoritis zeuxo but is smaller and is darker on both surfaces (Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa. Habitat: Subcoastal Fynbos. Habits: Found in discrete colonies and is very closely associated with its larval host-plant. Specimens fly slowly around their host-plants and frequently settle on the plant or on nearby shrubs (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: September to November (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Chrysanthemoides incana (Burm.f.) Norl. (Asteraceae) [Dickson & Kroon, 1978; subspecies zonarius]. Chrysanthemoides incana (Burm.f.) Norl. (Asteraceae) [Pringle et al., 1994; subspecies coetzeri]. Associated ant: Crematogaster peringueyi Emery [Heath, 1997: 40; for both subspecies].

Chrysoritis zonarius zonarius (Riley, 1938)# Donkey Daisy Copper

Phasis zeuxo zonarius Riley, 1938. Transactions of the Royal Entomological Society of London 87: 239 (233-245). Phasis zonarius Riley. Swanepoel, 1953a. Chrysoritis zonarius (Riley, 1938). Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Chrysoritis zonarius (Riley, 1938). Heath, 1997. Chrysoritis zonarius zonarius Riley, 1938. d‟Abrera, 2009: 728.

Chrysoritis zonarius zonarius. Male (Wingspan 20 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Atlantis, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 3 October 2010. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: South Africa: “near Melkbosch Strand, Cape Province”. Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – Near Melkbosstrand (TL; Dickson); Camps Bay (Pringle et al., 1994); Mamre (Farm Platrug) (Dickson); Het Kruis (Pringle et al., 1994); Saldanha Bay (Pringle et al., 1994); Leipoldtville (Pringle et al., 1994); 11 km nw of Clanwilliam (Heath & Pringle, 2007).

Chrysoritis zonarius coetzeri Dickson & Wykeham, 1994# Coetzer‟s Daisy Copper

Chrysoritis coetzeri Dickson and Wykeham, 1994. In: Pringle, Henning, & Ball [eds]. Pennington’s butterflies of southern Africa 2nd edition: 208 (800pp.). Struik-Winchester, South Africa. Synonym of Chrysoritis zonarius (Riley, 1938). Heath, 2001: 90 syn. n. Chrysoritis zonarius coetzeri Dickson & Wykeham, 1994. Heath & Pringle, 2007: 32 stat. n.

Chrysoritis zonarius coetzeri. Male (Wingspan 18 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Near Nieuwoudtville, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. 14 October 2008. M.C. Williams Collection.

Chrysoritis zonarius coetzeri. Female (Wingspan 20 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Near Nieuwoudtville, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. 14 October 2008. M.C. Williams Collection.

Type locality: South Africa: “Western Cape Province: Nieuwoudtville, 26 Sept. 1983 (Dr I.A. Coetzer).” Holotype in the Natural History Museum, London. Distribution: South Africa (Northern Cape Province). Specific localities: Northern Cape Province – Nieuwoudtville (TL; I. Coetzer); 8 km east of Hondeklip Bay [30°20.268'S: 17°21.659'E] (Heath et al., 2008).

Note: D‟Abrera (2009: 728) avers that coetzeri is a synonym of zonarius, without substantiation, and does not 24 formally change its taxonomic status.

PYROEIS SPECIES-GROUP Characters: Upperside yellowish-orange with black margins and spots. Underside of hind wing yellowish- or reddish-brown with a pattern of spots outlined in a darker shade forming a loose reticulate pattern. Females have a marginal row of spots on hind wing upper side. Forewing with twelve veins. Larvae have unusually long sheaths to their tentacular organs (Heath & Pringle, 2007).

*Chrysoritis felthami (Trimen, 1904)# Feltham‟s Opal

Female Feltham‟s Opal (Chrysoritis felthami) at Lambert‟s Bay, Western Cape Province. Image courtesy Steve Woodhall.

Zeritis felthami Trimen, 1904. Transactions of the Entomological Society of London 1904: 233 (231-246). Phasis felthami Trimen. Swanepoel, 1953a. Poecilmitis felthami (Trimen, 1904). Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis felthami (Trimen, 1904). Pringle et al., 1994: 211. Poecilmitis felthami (Trimen, 1904). Ackery et al., 1995. Chrysoritis felthami (Trimen, 1904). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis felthami Trimen, 1904. d‟Abrera, 2009: 724.

Chrysoritis felthami felthami. Male (Wingspan 24 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Lambert‟s Bay, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 1 October 2010. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Chrysoritis felthami felthami. Female (Wingspan 26 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Lambert‟s Bay, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 1 October 2010. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: [South Africa]: “just beyond the mouth of the Muizenberg Vlei in the Cape Peninsula, sandhills near Retreat Station on the railway between Wynberg and Muizenberg”. Distribution: South Africa. Habitat: Mainly coastal fynbos, especially vegetated sand dunes. Habits: Has a slow, fluttering flight, just above ground level. They settle frequently, on small bushes or on the ground (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: Summer. Scarcer in December and January (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages:

Dickson, 1940: 545 [subspecies felthami].

Clark & Dickson, 1971: 164, plate 81 [near Milnerton, Western Cape; subspecies felthami]. “Egg: 0.95 mm diam. x 0.6 mm high. Laid singly near the food-plant, even on dead leaves, or among particles of sand. The eggs are whitish with a fine tracery of triangular-edged indentations emanating from the micropyle, in involute curves. Eggs hatch after 12-20 days. The discarded shell is not eaten. Larva: 1st instar 1 mm, growing to 2.5 mm in 10-12 days; 2nd instar growing to 3.5 mm in 12-14 days; 3rd instar growing to 5.5 mm in 14-18 days; 4th instar growing to 8 mm in 20 days; 5th instar growing to 12.5 mm in 26 days; 6th instar growing to 16-17 mm in a variable number of days. The tubercles are present in all instars, but the honey-gland first appears in the 2nd instar. Larvae congregate in shelters, at the base of the food-plant, amongst dead leaves, grains of sand and small twigs, joined together. The larvae feed on the leaves of the food-plant, taking long rests in their shelters. Ants are in constant attendance, but larvae can be reared successfully without them. The ants are a species of Crematogaster. Pupa: 9-10 mm. Secured by the cremastral hooks to their shelter. The pupal state is very variable; emergence may vary from 20-36 days or longer, or hibernation may set in. There are two broods, anyway, in the season itself. Parasites: Larva. Probably the same as for P. thysbe. Pupa. Attacked by a Pimpla sp. and small Braconids. The egg and the setae of the larva, noticeably so in the 1st instar, of P. felthami, show a divergence from those of the P. thysbe group. Recorded from eggs and larvae from near Milnerton, western Cape Province.”

Larval food: Roepera flexuosa (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Beier & Thulin (Zygophyllaceae) [Dickson, 1940: 545 (subspecies felthami); Pringle et al., 1994 (subspecies dukei); as Zygophyllum flexuosum Eckl. and Zeyh.]. Roepera morgsana (L.) Beier & Thulin (Zygophyllaceae) [Dickson, 1940: 545; subspecies felthami; as Zygophyllum morgsana]. Roepera sessilifolia (L.) Beier & Thulin (Zygophyllaceae) [Dickson, 1940: 545 (subspecies felthami); Pringle et al., 1994 (subspecies dukei); as Zygophyllum sessilifolium L.]. Associated ant: Crematogaster species [Clark & Dickson, 1971: 164; for subspecies felthami]. Crematogaster peringueyi Emery [Heath, 1997: 40; for subspecies felthami]. Crematogaster peringueyi Emery [Heath, et al., 2008: 140; for subspecies dukei].

Chrysoritis felthami felthami (Trimen, 1904)#

Zeritis felthami Trimen, 1904. Transactions of the Entomological Society of London 1904: 233 (231-246). Phasis felthami Trimen. Swanepoel, 1953a. Poecilmitis felthami (Trimen, 1904). Dickson & Kroon, 1978. 26 Poecilmitis felthami felthami (Trimen, 1904). Pringle et al., 1994: 212. Poecilmitis felthami (Trimen, 1904). Ackery et al., 1995. Chrysoritis felthami (Trimen, 1904). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis felthami felthami Trimen, 1904. d‟Abrera, 2009: 724.

Chrysoritis felthami felthami. Male (Wingspan 24 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Lambert‟s Bay, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 1 October 2010. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: [South Africa]: “just beyond the mouth of the Muizenberg Vlei in the Cape Peninsula, sandhills near Retreat Station on the railway between Wynberg and Muizenberg”. Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province, Northern Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – Muizenberg (TL; Feltham); Retreat (Pringle et al., 1994); Durbanville (Pringle et al., 1994); Melkbosstrand (Pringle et al., 1994); Yzerfontein (Pringle et al., 1994); Lambert‟s Bay (Pennington); 3 km south of Bitterfontein (Pennington); Strandfontein, near Vredendal (Williams, unpublished); Stilbaai (Pringle et al., 1994); Laingsburg (Mijburgh). Northern Cape Province – Hondeklip Bay (Pringle et al., 1994).

Chrysoritis felthami dukei (Dickson, 1967)#

Poecilmitis felthami dukei Dickson, 1967. Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 79: 65 (65-66). Poecilmitis felthami dukei Dickson, 1967. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis felthami dukei Dickson, 1967. Pringle et al., 1994: 212. Chrysoritis felthami dukei (Dickson, 1967). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis felthami dukei Dickson, 1967. d‟Abrera, 2009: 724.

Type locality: South Africa: “Cape Province: Roodeberg near Vink, Robertson Karoo”. Diagnosis: Distinguished from the nominate subspecies by the more convex costal margin of the forewing, less extensive black spotting on the upperside, and the better developed and more contrasted light and dark areas on the hindwing underside (Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province, Northern Cape Province). Specific localities:

27 Western Cape Province – foothills of the Roodeberg, near Vink (TL; Dickson and Duke); Oudtshoorn? (G. van den Berg); Montagu Baths (Pringle et al., 1994); Bosch Kloof at the foot of the Kwadousberg (Dickson). Northern Cape Province – Roggeveld Escarpment, near Sutherland (Pringle et al., 1994); north of Steinkopf (Bampton).

*Chrysoritis pyroeis (Trimen, 1864)# Sand-dune Opal

Zeritis pyroeis Trimen, 1864. Transactions of the Entomological Society of London (3) 2: 178 (175-180). Zeritis pyroeis Trimen. Trimen, 1866a. Zeritis pyroeis Trimen, 1864. Trimen & Bowker, 1887b. Phasis pyroeis Trimen. Swanepoel, 1953a. Poecilmitis pyroeis (Trimen, 1864). Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis pyroeis (Trimen, 1864). Pringle et al., 1994: 213. Poecilmitis pyroeis (Trimen, 1864). Ackery et al, 1995. Chrysoritis pyroeis (Trimen, 1864). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis pyroeis Trimen, 1864. d‟Abrera, 2009: 724.

Chrysoritis pyroeis pyroeis. Male (Wingspan 27 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Lamberts‟ Bay, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 1 September 2007. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Chrysoritis pyroeis pyroeis. Female (Wingspan 33 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Lamberts‟ Bay, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 1 September 2007. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: [South Africa]: “Cape Town”. Distribution: South Africa. Habitat: A wide range of habitats, that include coastal and mountain fynbos (Pringle et al., 1994). Habits: Flies close to the ground, settling frequently on low bushes (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: Usually bivoltine, appearing in September and October and again from February to April. There are also records for August, November, December and January (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages:

Dickson, 1948: 50 [subspecies pyroeis].

Clark & Dickson, 1952: 25 [subspecies pyroeis]. 28 “The eggs are laid singly on the lower parts of Zygophyllum and are about 1 mm. diameter by 0.5 mm. high. They are yellow or greenish yellow when laid but soon change to white. They hatch after 8-9 days but have been known to hatch after 17 days. The young larva is 2 mm. and progresses through 6 instars to 17-21 mm. in some 220 days through the colder months but the larval period may be of shorter duration in summer. There is a well developed honey gland and two tubercles in prominent black cylinders. The honey gland is only present in the second and following instars but the tubercles are present in the first. The larvae live in ants‟ nests, just below the ground at the foot of the food plant, where they rest by day and crawl out to feed at night. The pupa is formed in the ants‟ nest. It is 10-13 mm. and is various shades of brown. The butterfly emerges after 12-16 days and crawls up the food plant where it expands its wings”. [Black and white illustrations of the egg, final instar larva and pupa are on the plate facing p. 12].

Clark & Dickson, 1971: 168, plate 83 [as Poecilmitis pyroeis pyroeis; Strandfontein, near Cape Town, Western Province; subspecies pyroeis]. “Egg: 0.95 mm diam. x 0.6 mm high. Milk-white, changing in colour, gradually, through a dull pinkish- brown tone to a final colour of dark grey. Eggs hatch after some 8-17 days. The discarded shell is not eaten. Larva: 1st instar 1.5 mm, growing to 3 mm in 9-10 days; 2nd instar growing to 4.5 mm in 11-13 days; 3rd instar growing to 6 mm in 14 days; 4th instar growing to 8.5 mm in 17 days; 5th instar growing to 13.5 mm (duration not ascertained, though much in excess of previous instars); 6th instar growing to 20 mm in 50 days. The tubercles are present in all instars but the honey-gland is only present in the 2nd-6th instars. It should be noted that the above larval measurements are less than those given in the previously published account of the life- history, owing to larvae being measured when in a more contracted altitude [attitude], in the present instance. In the former publication [Dickson, 1948], the entire life-cycle is described in considerably more detail than would have been possible for the present work. This species was found to be associated with an ant which was not previously known – i.e. Camponotus (s.g. Tanaemyrmes) dicksoni Arnold. Pupa: 11-13 mm. Generally found in shelters, made by ants, or in spaces below the general ground-level, and accompanied by ants, at the base of the food-plant.” “Recorded from eggs and larvae from Strandfontein, near Cape Town.”

Larval food: Roepera flexuosa (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Beier & Thulin (Zygophyllaceae) [Dickson, 1948 (subspecies pyroeis); Pringle et al., 1994 (subspecies hersaleki); as Zygophyllum flexuosum Eckl. & Zeyh.]. Roepera morgsana (L.) Beier & Thulin (Zygophyllaceae) [Dickson, 1940; subspecies pyroeis; as Zygophyllum morgsana]. Roepera sessilifolia (L.) Beier & Thulin (Zygophyllaceae) [Dickson & Kroon, 1978 (subspecies pyroeis); Pringle et al., 1994 (subspecies hersaleki); as Zygophyllum sessilifolium]. Thesium species (Santalaceae) [Heath, 1997: 40; subspecies pyroeis)]. Associated ants: Myrmicaria nigra (Mayr) [Dickson, 1948; subspecies pyroeis]. Camponotus species [Dickson, 1948; subspecies pyroeis]. Camponotus (Tanaemyrmes) dicksoni Arnold [Clark & Dickson, 1971: 168; see also comments in Heath, 1997: 40; subspecies pyroeis].

Chrysoritis pyroeis pyroeis (Trimen, 1864)#

Zeritis pyroeis Trimen, 1864. Transactions of the Entomological Society of London (3) 2: 178 (175-180). Zeritis pyroeis Trimen. Trimen, 1866a. Zeritis pyroeis Trimen, 1864. Trimen & Bowker, 1887b. Phasis pyroeis Trimen. Swanepoel, 1953a. Poecilmitis pyroeis (Trimen, 1864). Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis pyroeis pyroeis (Trimen, 1864). Pringle et al., 1994: 213. Poecilmitis pyroeis pyroeis (Trimen, 1864). Ackery et al, 1995. Chrysoritis pyroeis pyroeis (Trimen, 1864). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis pyroeis pyroeis Trimen, 1864. d‟Abrera, 2009: 724.

Chrysoritis pyroeis pyroeis. Male (Wingspan 27 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Lamberts‟ Bay, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 1 September 2007. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: [South Africa]: “Cape Town”. Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province, Northern Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – Cape Town (TL; Trimen); Strandfontein near Cape Town (Clark & Dickson, 1971); Yzerfontein (Pringle et al., 1994); Lambert‟s Bay (Pringle et al., 1994); Gydo Mountain, at 1 800 m (Pennington); above Garcia‟s Pass at 1 200 m (Pennington); top of the Franschhoek Pass (Pringle et al., 1994); Du Toit‟s Kloof Pass (Pringle et al., 1994); Langeberg, above Grootvadersbos (Wykeham); Outeniqua Mountains, above George (Quickelberge); De Hoop in the Bredasdorp district (Vári and Potgieter); Hex River Mountains (Pringle et al., 1994); mountains near Touws River (Pringle et al., 1994); Still Bay (Pringle et al., 1994). Northern Cape Province – Hondeklip Bay (Van Son).

Chrysoritis pyroeis hersaleki (Dickson, 1970)#

Poecilmitis pyroeis hersaleki Dickson, 1970. Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 82: 157 (157-159). Poecilmitis pyroeis hersaleki Dickson, 1970. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis pyroeis hersaleki Dickson, 1970. Pringle et al., 1994: 214. Chrysoritis pyroeis hersaleki (Dickson, 1970). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis pyroeis hersaleki Dickson, 1970. d‟Abrera, 2009: 724.

Type locality: South Africa: “Eastern Cape Province: Lady‟s Slipper (Witteklip) Mtns., W. Of Port Elizebeth [sic]”. Distribution: South Africa (Eastern Cape Province). Specific localities: Eastern Cape Province – Witteklip Mountains (TL); Vanstadensberg (Pringle et al., 1994); summit of the Baviaanskloof Mountains (Liversidge).

CHRYSANTAS SPECIES-GROUP

30 Characters: Upper side orange-red with narrow black margins and white interneural cilia. Underside of hind wing mottled grey. Male aedoeagus lacks cornuti. Forewing with eleven veins (Heath & Pringle, 2007).

*Chrysoritis chrysantas (Trimen, 1868)# Karoo Daisy Copper

Zeritis chrysantas Trimen, 1868. Transactions of the Entomological Society of London 1868: 85 (69-96). Zeritis chrysantas Trimen, 1868. Trimen & Bowker, 1887b. Phasis chrysantas Trimen. Swanepoel, 1953a. Chrysoritis chrysantas (Trimen, 1868). Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Chrysoritis chrysantas (Trimen, 1868). Pringle et al., 1994: 207. Chrysoritis chrysantas (Trimen, 1868). Heath, 1997. Chrysoritis chrysantas Trimen, 1868. d‟Abrera, 2009: 730.

Chrysoritis chrysantas. Male (Wingspan 24 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Sabieboomrante, 25 km south of Eksteenfontein, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. 12 October 2010. M.C. Williams Collection.

Chrysoritis chrysantas. Female (Wingspan 28 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Sabieboomrante, 25 km south of Eksteenfontein, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. 12 October 2010. M.C. Williams Collection.

Alternative common name: Karoo Opal. Type locality: [South Africa]: “Murraysburg”. General remarks: Discovered by Dr Muskett in 1864 at Murraysburg (Trimen, 1868). Distribution: Namibia (south), South Africa (Western Cape Province, Northern Cape Province). Specific localities: Namibia – Tiras Mountains (between Aus and Helmeringhausen) (D. Plowes); Aus (Ficq); Between Rosh Pinah and Aus (Swart, 2004). Western Cape Province – Murraysburg (TL; Muskett); Bitterfontein (Swanepoel, 1953); Laingsburg (Swanepoel, 1953); Klaarstroom (Swanepoel, 1953); Matjiesfontein (Swanepoel, 1953); Oudtshoorn (Pringle et al., 1994); Ladismith (Pringle et al., 1994); Vanrhynsdorp district (Pringle et al., 1994); 8 km south of Klawer (N. Duke). Northern Cape Province – Aughrabies (Trimen); Springbok (Swanepoel, 1953); Hanover Road (Swanepoel, 1953); Noupoort (Swanepoel, 1953); Taaibosch (Swanepoel, 1953); Pofadder (Swanepoel, 1953); Richtersveld (Pringle et al., 1994); Steinkopf (Pringle et al., 1994); 31 halfway between Nieuwoudtville and Calvinia (Pringle et al., 1994); north of Wallekraal (Heath et al., 2008). Habitat: Flat areas or gentle slopes in the Karoo (Pringle et al., 1994). Occurs in both nama and succulent Karoo. Habits: The flight is fast and irregular. Both sexes are fond of flowers, especially mesembryanthemums (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: September to March (Swanepoel, 1953). There are also odd records for August (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Salsola tuberculata (Moq.) Fenzl. (Chenopodiaceae) [Heath et al., 2008; north of Wallekraal; requires confirmation]. Associated ant: Crematogaster melanogaster Emery (Myrmicinae) [Heath et al., 2008; north of Wallekraal; requires confirmation].

THYSBE SPECIES-GROUP Characters: Upper side orange with dark borders and spots. Males of some species have pale blue scaling and some violaceous iridescence. Hind wing underside with distinctive pattern of yellow and brown or reddish-brown striae. This pattern varies in contrast between and within species and in some specimens it can be totally obscure. The hind wing in both sexes has the tornus produced. Male aedoeagus with a small heart-shaped cluster of cornuti. Forewing with twelve veins (Heath & Pringle, 2007).

*Chrysoritis thysbe (Linnaeus, 1764)# Common Opal

Common Opal (Chrysoritis thysbe) male upperside (left) and underside (right) Images courtesy Steve Woodhall

Papilio thysbe Linnaeus, 1764. Museum Ludovicae Ulricae Reginae: 330 (720 pp.). Holmiae. Zeritis thysbe Linnaeus. Trimen, 1866a. Zeritis thysbe (Linnaeus, 1764). Trimen & Bowker, 1887b. Phasis thysbe Linnaeus. Swanepoel, 1953a. Poecilmitis thysbe (Linnaeus, 1764). Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis thysbe (Linnaeus, 1764). Pringle et al., 1994: 214. Poecilmitis thysbe (Linnaeus, 1764). Ackery et al., 1995. Chrysoritis thysbe (Linnaeus, 1764). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis thysbe Linnaeus, 1764. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726.

Chrysoritis thysbe thysbe. Male (Wingspan 28 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Pella, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 3 October 2010. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: [South Africa]: “Cap. b. Spei.”. Lectotype designated by Honey & Scoble, 2001: 387. Distribution: South Africa. Habitat: Coastal dunes and sandy areas inland, in lowland fynbos (nominate subspecies). For subspecies mithras: sandy ground near Brenton-on-Sea, flying among tall bushes of Chrysanthemoides monilifera L. (the probable larval host-plant). Subspecies schloszae occurs in patches of a shrubby mesembryanthemum at the type locality (Schlosz, vide Pringle et al., 1994). Habits: Males establish territories within the boundaries of the colony. These territories are regularly patrolled, the flight being fast and sustained. Males perch on low vegetation or on the ground. Males are also known to hilltop on low eminences and ridges. Females fly slowly, apparently at random. These remarks are generally applicable to all of the species belonging to the thysbe species group (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: September to March. For subspecies bamptoni and psyche the flight period is September to December. Subspecies schloszae has been recorded from February to April (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages:

Clark & Dickson, 1952: 24 [subspecies thysbe]. “The eggs are laid singly on Zygophyllum, Aspalathus and probably Chrysanthemoides (which the larvae will eat) and are 0.85 mm. in diameter by 0.5 mm. high. The egg stage is from 11-16 days. The coloured plate gives the colour and shape of the egg. The young larva eats a hole in the top of the egg through which it crawls. It takes no further interest in the shell but crawls away to a young shoot or crevice. On hatching the larva is 1 mm. in length and grows through 6 instars to 18 mm. in some 96 days. The plate indicates its shape and colouring. In the final instar there are three distinct types of colour with numerous intermediate variations:- 1. Pale chocolate with purple and white markings; 2. Pale yellow with purple, brown, white and green stripes; 3. Green with pale green stripes. The underside is green in all forms. On the first segment there is a black shield with two raised white moles. The tubercles guarding the honey gland are present in the first instar but the honey gland only develops in the second and rarely functions until the third instar. Generally in the third instar, larvae crawl to the bottom of the plant and seek out the small nest-like shelters of the ants, which they enter. Here they rest by day and crawl out, usually at night, to feed. The ants accept them as welcome guests and “milk” them periodically. The ants‟ shelters sometimes house scale insects, in which case larvae are rarely found in them. Ants are in more or less constant attendance on the larvae when at rest and the association is mutual, the larvae receiving shelter and protection in return for a liquid much sought after by ants. To “milk” the larva, an ant takes a stance on the back of the larva with its body towards the larva‟s head and its own head above the gland. It beats the vicinity of the gland with its antennae and coaxes out of a bead of liquid [sic]. This it gently removes with its mandibles and after swallowing it repeats the process. Sometimes the attentions of the ant become too persistent and the larva shoots out its tubercles and drives the ant away. The ant then runs around the larva, patting it with its antennae as if to reassure it, and then repeats the “milking”. Pupation takes place in the ants‟ shelters and the pupal period is 17-33 days”. [A colour plate of the early stages is opposite p.4]

Clark & Dickson, 1971: 172, plate 84 [as Poecilmitis thysbe; Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape] (Note: this description probably refers to Chrysoritis thysbe whitei (Dickson 1994)). “Egg: 0.85 mm diam. x 0.5 mm high. Laid singly on a shoot or leaf. Whitish yellow when laid, changing in time to a more or less dull chocolate tint. Eggs hatch after 11-16 days. The discarded shell is not eaten. Larva: 1st instar 1 mm, growing to 2.5 mm in 14 days; 2nd instar growing to 4 mm in 10 days; 3rd instar growing to 5.5 mm in 11 days; 4th instar growing to 8 mm in 12 days; 5th instar growing to 10.5 mm in 18 days; 33 5th instar growing to 18 mm in 30 days. The tubercles are present in all instars but the honey-gland is not present till the second and subsequent instars. At first larvae feed on young shoots and rest among them, but in the third instar they crawl to the lower parts of the plant and live in shelters built by ants, coming out to feed, generally at night, then returning to their shelters. Ants periodically „milk‟ the larva‟s honey-gland. The larvae are associated with Crematogaster ants, one of the species identified (by the late Dr. George Arnold) being C. peringueyi Emery. Pupa: 11 mm. Secured within a shelter, by the cremastral hooks. The pupal period is from 17-33 days, or more, dependent on climatic conditions. Parasites: Egg – attacked by small Chalcids. Larva – attacked by Diptera: i.e., at least two Tachinids, Sturmia (Paradrino) sp. and Zenillia sp.; also by Pimpla. Pupa – killed by a Pimpla sp.” “Recorded from eggs and larvae from Port Elizabeth.”

Heath & Fisher, 2010 [for ssp. whitei].

Chrysoritis thysbe final instar attended by the ant Crematogaster peringueyi. Image courtesy Steve Woodhall

Larval food: Aspalathus species (Fabaceae) [Clark & Dickson, 1952: 24; (subspecies thysbe) ; Heath et al., 2008: 141 (subspecies osbecki)]. (Probably) Chrysanthemoides species (Asteraceae) [Clark & Dickson, 1952: 24; subspecies thysbe]. Chrysanthemoides incana (Burm.f) Norl. (Asteraceae) [Dickson & Kroon, 1978; subspecies osbecki]. Chrysanthemoides monilifera (L.) Norl. (Asteraceae) [Clark & Dickson, 1971: 172; in captivity; subspecies thysbe]. Chrysanthemoides monilifera (L.) Norl. (Asteraceae) [Heath, 1997: 42 (subspecies whitei); Edge, 2005 (subspecies mithras) – requires confirmation according to Heath et al., 2008: 141]. Chrysanthemoides species (Asteraceae) [Williams & Woodhall, 1989: 2; oviposition only; (subspecies psyche)]. (Metamorphosis 1 (24): 2). Lebeckia plukenetiana E.Mey. (Fabaceae) [Clark & Dickson, 1971: 172; subspecies thysbe and subspecies osbecki]. Lebeckia plukenetiana E.Mey. (Fabaceae) [Pringle et al., 1994: 217; subspecies bamptoni]. Osteospermum polygaloides L. (Asteraceae) [Heath, 1997: 42; subspecies thysbe]. Thesium species (Santalaceae) [Heath, 1997: 42 (subspecies thysbe); Heath et al., 2008: 141 (subspecies osbecki); Heath et al., 2008: 141 (subspecies psyche); Heath et al., 2008: 141 (subspecies bamptoni)]. Roepera species (Zygophyllaceae) [Heath, 1997 (subspecies psyche) Heath & Pringle, 2007 (subspecies schloszae); Pringle et al., 1994 (subspecies whitei)]. Roepera flexuosa (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Beier & Thulin (Zygophyllaceae) [Clark & Dickson, 1971: 172; (subspecies thysbe); Dickson & Kroon, 1978 (subspecies osbecki); Heath, 1997 (subspecies bamptoni); as Zygophyllum flexuosum Eckl. and Zeyh.]. Roepera morgsana (L.) Beier & Thulin (Zygophyllaceae) [Clark & Dickson, 1971: 172; in captivity; (subspecies thysbe); Dickson & Kroon, 1978 (subspecies osbecki); as Zygophyllum morgsana L.]. Roepera sessilifolia (L.) Beier & Thulin (Zygophyllaceae) [Clark & Dickson, 1971: 172; subspecies thysbe; as Zygophyllum sessilifolium L.]. Roepera teretifolia (Schltr.) Beier & Thulin (Zygophyllaceae) [Heath et al., 2008: 141; subspecies

34 bamptoni]. Thesium species (Santalaceae) [M. Schlosz, vide Heath & Gardiner, 2009: 10; Nuwerus; subspecies psyche]. Tylocodon paniculatus (L.f.) Toelken (Crassulaceae) [Heath & Gardiner, 2009: 9; subspecies osbecki]. Zygophyllum species (Zygophyllaceae) [Clark & Dickson, 1952: 24; subspecies thysbe]. Zygophyllum species (Zygophyllaceae) [Dickson, 1976, vide Heath, 1997: 42; subspecies bamptoni]. Zygophyllum species (Zygophyllaceae) [Williams & Woodhall, vide Pringle et al., 1994: 224; oviposition only; subspecies psyche]. Associated ant: Crematogaster peringueyi Emery [Clark & Dickson, 1956; for subspecies thysbe]. Crematogaster peringueyi Emery [Clark & Dickson, 1971: 172; for subspecies whitei]. Crematogaster species 3 (SAM-HYM C006755) [Heath, 1997: 42; for subspecies bamptoni]. Crematogaster peringueyi Emery [Heath, 1997: 41; for subspecies psyche]. Crematogaster peringueyi Emery [Heath et al., 2008: 141; for subspecies osbecki]. Crematogaster peringueyi Emery [Heath et al., 2008: 141; for subspecies schloszae].

Chrysoritis thysbe thysbe (Linnaeus, 1764)# Common Opal

Papilio thysbe Linnaeus, 1764. Museum Ludovicae Ulricae Reginae: 330 (720 pp.). Holmiae. Zeritis thysbe Linnaeus. Trimen, 1866a. Zeritis thysbe (Linnaeus, 1764). Trimen & Bowker, 1887b. Phasis thysbe Linnaeus. Swanepoel, 1953a. Poecilmitis thysbe (Linnaeus, 1764). Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis thysbe thysbe (Linnaeus, 1764). Pringle et al., 1994: 214. Poecilmitis thysbe thysbe (Linnaeus, 1764). Ackery et al., 1995. Chrysoritis thysbe thysbe (Linnaeus, 1764). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis thysbe thysbe Linnaeus, 1764. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726.

Chrysoritis thysbe thysbe. Male (Wingspan 28 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Pella, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 3 October 2010. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: [South Africa]: “Cap. b. Spei.”. Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – Cape Peninsula (Pringle et al., 1994); Melkbosstrand (Pringle et al., 1994); Mossel Bay (Pringle et al., 1994).

nais Cramer, 1775. In: Cramer, 1775-6 (as sp. of Papilio). Die Uitlandsche Kapellen voorkomende in de drie waerrelddeelen Asia Africa en America [Supplement]: 74 (16 + 155 pp.). Amsteldam & Utrecht. [South Africa]: “Kaap de goede Hoop”. Invalid; junior primary homonym of Papilio nais Forster, 1771 [Nymphalidae].

splendens Swainson, 1833. In: Swainson, 1832-3 (as replacement name for Papilio nais Cramer). Zoological illustrations, or original figures and descriptions of new, rare or interesting animals selected chiefly from the class of Ornithology, Entomology and Conchology (1) 1: pl. 136 ([xxvii] pp.). London. 35

Aberration – Butler, 1868: 223 (Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London).

Chrysoritis thysbe osbecki (Aurivillius, 1882)# Melbosstrand Common Opal

Phasis osbecki Aurivillius, 1882. Kungliga Svenska Vetenskapakademiens Handlingar 19 (5): 117 (188 pp.). Zeritis osbecki (Aurivillius, 1882). Trimen & Bowker, 1887b. Chrysoritis thysbe osbecki (Aurivillius, 1882). Heath & Pringle, 2007: 33 stat. n. Chrysoritis thysbe osbecki Aurivillius, 1882. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726.

Chrysoritis thysbe osbecki. Male (Wingspan 27 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Yzerfontein, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 9 December 2003. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Chrysoritis thysbe osbecki. Female (Wingspan 30 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Yzerfontein, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 13 December 2005. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: [South Africa]: “India orientalis” [False locality]. Holotype in the Swedish Natural History Museum (images available at www2.nrm.se/en/lep_nrm/o). Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – Bloubergstrand (Pringle et al., 1994); Mamre (Pella Mission) (Pringle et al., 1994); Yzerfontein (Pringle et al., 1994; male and female illustrated above); Lambert‟s Bay (Pringle et al., 1994); Leipoldtville (Pringle et al., 1994); Langebaan (Pringle et al., 1994); 11 km nw of Clanwilliam (C. Ficq); Olifants River Mouth (G.L. Thomas).

Chrysoritis thysbe psyche (Pennington, 1967)# Psyche Common Opal

Poecilmitis psyche Pennington, 1967. Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa 29: 121 (121-123). Poecilmitis psyche Pennington, 1967. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis psyche Pennington, 1967. Pringle et al., 1994: 224. Chrysoritis psyche (Pennington, 1967). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis thysbe psyche (Pennington, 1967). Heath, 2001: 91 stat. nov. Chrysoritis thysbe psyche Pennington, 1967. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726.

Chrysoritis thysbe psyche. Male (Wingspan 29 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Kotzesrus, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. 7 September 2012. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Chrysoritis thysbe psyche. Female (Wingspan 31 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Kotzesrus, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. 7 September 2012. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: South Africa: “Bitterfontein (C.P.)”. Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province, Northern Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – 3 km south of Bitterfontein (TL); Klawer (A. Roberts); Elands Bay (Pringle et al., 1994); north-east of Koekenaap (Pringle et al., 1994); Nardousberge, north of Clanwilliam (Pringle et al., 1994); Matsikamma Mountains, south of Vanrhynsdorp (Wykeham); Kotzesrus (Heath & Pringle, 2007); 2 km north of Nuwerus (Heath & Gardiner, 2009). Northern Cape Province – Niewoudtville (Williams and Woodhall).

Chrysoritis thysbe bamptoni (Dickson, 1976)# Bampton Opal

Poecilmitis bamptoni Dickson, 1976. Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 88: 280 (273-280, 307-314). Poecilmitis bamptoni Dickson, 1976. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis bamptoni Dickson, 1976. Pringle et al., 1994: 217. Chrysoritis bamptoni (Dickson, 1976). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis thysbe bamptoni (Dickson, 1976). Heath, 2001: 91 stat. nov. Chrysoritis thysbe bamptoni Dickson, 1967. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726. [date of authorship erroneous].

Chrysoritis thysbe bamptoni. Male (Wingspan 29 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Wallekraal, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. 31 August 2008. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Chrysoritis thysbe bamptoni. Female (Wingspan 30 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Lambert‟s Bay, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 1 September 2007. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: South Africa: “Western Cape Province (Little Namaqualand): Hondeklip Bay”. The precise type locality is 8.6 km east of Hondeklip Bay (30° 20.27'S; 17° 21.66'E) (Heath, 2012). Distribution: South Africa (Northern Cape Province). 38 Specific localities: Northern Cape Province – Hondeklip Bay (TL; Van Son); 10 km north-west of Wallekraal (the Smiths and Bampton); Kleinsee (Heath & Pringle, 2007); Strandfontein (Heath & Pringle, 2007).

Note: Flies sympatrically with C. lyndseyae (Henning, 1979) at a number of localities. Males of bamptoni defend territories from the top of mounds whereas the males of lyndseyae establish territories on flat ground (Heath, 2011).

Chrysoritis thysbe schloszae (Dickson, 1994)# Mooreesburg Common Opal

Poecilmitis thysbe schloszae Dickson, 1994. In: Pringle, Henning, & Ball [eds]. Pennington’s butterflies of southern Africa 2nd edition: 214 (800pp.). Struik-Winchester, South Africa. Chrysoritis thysbe schloszae (Dickson, 1994). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis thysbe schlozae Dickson, 1994. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726.

Type locality: South Africa: “Western Cape Province: Near Moreesburg, 25 Feb. 1989 (M.J. Schlosz))”. Holotype (male) in the Natural History Museum, London. Diagnosis: Differs from the nominate subspecies in that the silvery blue scaling on the upperside of the wings is very extensive and the pronounced black discal spots on the hindwing upperside (Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Known only from the type locality. Specific localities: Western Cape Province – Near Moreesburg (TL; Schlosz). Conservation status: Classified as Critically Endangered (Henning et al., 2009: 35).

Chrysoritis thysbe mithras (Pringle, 1994)# Brenton Opal

Poecilmitis mithras Pringle, 1994. Metamorphosis 5 (3): 107 (107-114). Chrysoritis mithras (Pringle, 1994). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis thysbe mithras (Pringle, 1994). Heath, 2001: 91 stat. nov. Chrysoritis thysbe mithras Pringle, 1995. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726. [date of authorship erroneous].

Chrysoritis thysbe mithras male. Left – upperside; right – underside. Still Bay, Western Cape Province, South Africa 15 December, 2005. Images courtesy Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Chrysoritis thysbe mithras. Female (Wingspan 29 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Still Bay East, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 15 December, 2005. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: South Africa: “Knysna, 11.III.1987, E.L. Pringle.” Described from 18 males and nine females. Holotype in the Natural History Museum, London. Original description: “Male. Forewing length 13-14mm, smaller than related species. Wings, upperside. Forewing ground colour orange, basal area blue; Diagnosis: Male forewing apex more rounded and distal margin slightly straighter than in either subspecies thysbe or subspecies whitei. Upperside basal blue darker and more restricted, orange-red outer area more reddish. Hindwing basal blue more restricted than in whitei but not as restricted as in typical thysbe. Upperside black markings very pronounced in comparison with either of the other species as are the white cilia along the fringes of the wings. The pink iridescence in orange-red ground- colour adjacent to basal blue of hindwing is comparatively restricted. Female forewing apex more evenly rounded than in either of the other species. On the upperside the basal blue is darker and the orange-red ground colour more reddish. Black markings comparatively more extensive with a very broad marginal line along the margin, leaving only the faintest vestige of orange-red markings along the cilia. The underside has a much more pronounced black submarginal line than the other two species, there is also greater contrast in the markings of the hindwing. Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – Brenton-on-Sea, Knysna (TL; Pringle); between Still Bay and Riversdale (Pringle et al., 1994); Still Bay (male and female illustrated above). Conservation status: Classified as Endangered (Henning et al., 2009: 34).

Chrysoritis thysbe whitei (Dickson, 1994)# Algoa Common Opal

Poecilmitis whitei Dickson, 1994. In: Pringle, Henning, & Ball [eds]. Pennington’s butterflies of southern Africa 2nd edition: 216 (800pp.). Struik-Winchester, South Africa. Chrysoritis whitei (Dickson, 1994). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis thysbe whitei (Dickson, 1994). Heath, 2001: 91 stat. nov. Chrysoritis thysbe whitei Dickson, 1994. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726.

Type locality: South Africa: “Eastern Cape Province: Near Port Elizabeth 28 Feb. 1991. (John White).” Holotype in the Natural History Museum, London. Distribution: South Africa (Eastern Cape Province). Known only from the vicinity of Port Elizabeth. Specific localities: Eastern Cape Province – Port Elizabeth (TL; White). Conservation status: Classified as Endangered (Henning et al., 2009: 34).

*Chrysoritis lyndseyae (Henning, 1979)# Lindsey‟s Opal

Poecilmitis lyndseyae Henning, 1979. Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa 42: 155 (153-159). Poecilmitis lyndseyae Henning, 1979. Pringle et al., 1994: 224. Synonym of Chrysoritis thysbe bamptoni (Dickson, 1976). Heath, 2001: 91. Chrysoritis lyndseyae (Henning, 1979). Heath, 2011: 97 stat. rev.

Type locality: South Africa: “10 km north of Wallekraal, Namaqualand, Cape Province, 150 m”. The co-ordinates for the type locality are 29° 56.47'S; 17° 09.44'E (Heath, 2013). Distribution: Specific localities: Northern Cape Province – 10 km north of Wallekraal (29° 56.47'S; 17° 09.44'E) (TL); 30° 21.18'S; 17° 25.57'E. (Heath, 2013); 30° 20.27'S; 17° 21.66'E (Heath, 2013). Habitat: Succulent Karoo. Habits: Males establish territories on flat ground (Heath, 2013). Flight period: Early stages: Illustrated in Heath, 2013. Larval food: Thesium sp. (Santalaceae) [Heath, 2013]. Osteospermum incanum (Burm.f.) Norl. (Asteraceae) [Heath, 2013]. Roepera teretifolia (Schltr.) Beier & Thulin (Zygophyllaceae) [Heath, 2013]. Associated ant: Crematogaster peringueyi For. (Myrmicinae) [Heath, 2013].

*Chrysoritis trimeni (Riley, 1938)# Trimen‟s Opal

Poecilmitis thysbe trimeni Riley, 1938. Transactions of the Royal Entomological Society of London 87: 240 (233-245). Poecilmitis trimeni Riley, 1938. Henning, W.H. 1977. stat. rev. Poecilmitis trimeni Riley, 1938. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis trimeni Riley, 1938. Pringle et al., 1994: 218. Chrysoritis trimeni (Riley, 1938). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis trimeni Riley, 1938. d‟Abrera, 2009: 728.

Chrysoritis trimeni. Male (Wingspan 28 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Mc Dougall‟s Bay, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. 30 August 2008. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Chrysoritis trimeni. Female (Wingspan 31 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Mc Dougall‟s Bay, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. 30 August 2008. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams. 41

Type locality: South Africa: “Pt. Nolloth, Namaqualand”. Distribution: South Africa (Northern Cape Province). Specific localities: Northern Cape Province – McDougall‟s Bay, just south of Port Nolloth (TL); Kleinsee (the Pringles); 13 km east of Port Nolloth (Heath & Pringle, 2007); 10 km south of Kleinsee (Heath & Pringle, 2007); 3 km inland of Kleinsee (Heath & Pringle, 2007). Habitat: Coastal sand dunes (Pringle et al., 1994). Habits: The flight is very fast. Specimens settle on the ground, behind small bushes (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: August to December (Henning & Henning, 1989). September to April (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages:

Henning, S. & Henning, G. 1989: 99. “The egg is laid singly on a shoot or leaf. The larva is associated with Crematogaster ants.”

Larval food: Osteospermum oppositifolium (Aiton) B.Nord. (Asteraceae) [Heath et al., 2008; south of Kleinsee (29°43.110'S; 17°03.706'E)]. Roepera flexuosa (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Beier & Thulin (Zygophyllaceae) [Heath et al., 2008; south of Kleinsee (29°43.110'S; 17°03.706'E)]. Roepera morgsana (L.) Beier & Thulin (Zygophyllaceae) [Heath et al., 2008; McDougall‟s Bay]. Thesium species (Santalaceae) [Heath & Pringle, 2007; Heath et al., 2008; 13 km east of Port Nolloth (29 17.403S 16 59.629E)]. Zygophyllum species (Zygophyllaceae) [Henning & Henning, 1989: 99]. Associated ant: Crematogaster species [Henning & Henning, 1989: 99]. Crematogaster peringueyi Emery (Myrmicinae) [Heath & Pringle, 2007; Heath et al., 2008 (McDougall‟s Bay; 13 km east of Port Nolloth; south of Kleinsee (29°43.110'S; 17°03.706'E))]. Conservation status: Classified as Vulnerable (Henning et al., 2009: 36).

*Chrysoritis pan (Pennington, 1962)# Pan Opal

Pan Opal (Chrysoritis pan) male feeding on mesembryanthemum flowers Image courtesy Steve Woodhall

Poecilmitis pan Pennington, 1962. Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa 25: 273 (266-286). Poecilmitis pan Pennington, 1962. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis pan Pennington, 1962. Pringle et al., 1994: 218. 42 Chrysoritis pan (Pennington, 1962). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis pan Pennington, 1962. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726.

Chrysoritis pan pan male (Wingspan 26 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Yzerfontein, Western Cape Province, South Africa 9 December, 2003. Images courtesy Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Chrysoritis pan pan female (Wingspan 28 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Yzerfontein, Western Cape Province, South Africa 9 December, 2003. Images courtesy Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Type locality: South Africa: “Farm Platrug (Malmesbury Dist., C.P.)”. Distribution: South Africa. Habitat: From sea level to moderate elevations (Pringle et al., 1994). Habits: The flight is rather weak and individuals remain in the vicinity of their larval host-plant. Specimens perch on the ground or on low shrubs. Both sexes feed from flowers (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: August to June (not necessarily on the wing throughout this period at any particular locality) (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages:

Clark & Dickson, 1971: 176, plate 86 [as Poecilmitis lysander; Molteno Pass, near Beaufort West, Western Cape]. “Egg: 0.85 mm diam. x 0.5 mm high. Laid singly on a stalk or leaf. White when laid, changing to chocolate. The surface is covered with circular indentations within hexagonal frames. Starting with some 5 at the micropyle, they curve round in involute curves, developing into some 16 indentations at the base. Eggs hatch after some 10 days. The discarded shell is not eaten. Larva: 1st instar 1 mm, growing to 2 mm in 8 days; 2nd instar growing to 3.6 mm in 8 days; 3rd instar growing to 5.5 mm in 8 days; 4th instar growing to 8 mm in 8 days; 5th instar growing to 13 mm in 10 days; 6th instar growing to 16 mm in 21 days. The honey-gland is present in the 2nd and subsequent instars. The tubercles are present in all instars, the final-instar tubercles each having eight barbed spines. Larvae feed at intervals but crawl back to a selected, secluded spot to rest. Moulting takes place where larvae are feeding and a portion of the discarded skin may be eaten. The first-instar larva is of a fairly light tint with rather pale reddish streaks, a moderately dark neck-shield and a less dark anal-shield. In subsequent instars the streaks are better defined, more continuous and of a browner colour. In the later instars there is a greater contrast in the colouring of the intervening strips between some of the lines, and some of the longitudinal lines are more distinct than others, with the shields decidedly dark and the first and last segments bearing white markings, formed largely by concentrations of the small specialized setae – the markings on the first segment being on the neck-shield itself. Final-instar larvae darken considerably when nearing pupation. Pupation takes place in a secluded spot. Crematogaster ants were observed at the base of the bushes on which the eggs from which the species was reared, were laid, in Jan. 1962. Pupa: 16 mm. Of a brownish colour. Secured within a shelter, possibly built by ants, by its cremastral hooks. The imago emerges after 15 days.” “Recorded from eggs 43 from the foot of the Molteno Pass, near Beaufort West.”

Larval food: Aspalathus species (Fabaceae) [Clark & Dickson, 1971: 176; subspecies lysander]. Atriplex bolusii C.H.Wright (Amaranthaceae) [Heath et al., 2008; Leipoldtville [32°14'S: 18°28'E]; subspecies lysander]. Chrysanthemoides incana (Burm.f.) Norl. (Asteraceae) [Henning, S., & Henning, G., 1989: 97; (subspecies pan and atlantica); Heath et al, 2008; Leipoldtville and Lambert‟s Bay; (subspecies lysander)]. Chrysanthemoides monilifera (L.) Norl. (Asteraceae) [Pennington, 1962: 273. According to Heath (2001: 90) this is probably a misidentification]. Osteospermum species (Asteraceae) [Heath, in Pringle et al., 1994: 218; subspecies dicksoni]. Roepera flexuosa (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Beier & Thulin (Zygophyllaceae) [Heath et al, 2008; 10 km south of Kleinsee [29°43.968'S: 17°05.467'E; subspecies lysander]. Tetraena retrofracta (Thunb.) Beier & Thulin (Zygophyllaceae) [Heath, 1997: 41; subspecies henningi; as Zygophyllum retrofractum Thunb.]. Zygophyllum species (Zygophyllaceae) [Dickson, 1965, vide Heath, 1997: 41; subspecies lysander]. Zygophyllum species (Zygophyllaceae) [Heath, in Pringle et al., 1994: 219; subspecies atlanticus]. Associated ant: Crematogaster species 1 (SAM-HYM C009861) (Myrmicinae) [Heath, 1997: 41]. Crematogaster liengmei For. (Myrmicinae) [Heath, 2001: 90; near Cape Town]. Crematogaster liengmei For. (Myrmicinae) [Heath et al., 2008; 10 km south of Kleinsee [29°43.968'S: 17°05.467'E; subspecies lysander]. Crematogaster peringueyi Emery (Myrmicinae) [Heath et al., 2008; Leipoldtville [32°14'S: 18°28'E]; subspecies lysander]. References: McLeod, 2006 [Description of an aberration].

Chrysoritis pan pan (Pennington, 1962)# Pan Opal

Poecilmitis pan Pennington, 1962. Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa 25: 273 (266-286). Poecilmitis pan Pennington, 1962. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Chrysoritis pan (Pennington, 1962). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis pan pan Pennington, 1962. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726.

Chrysoritis pan pan male (Wingspan 26 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Yzerfontein, Western Cape Province, South Africa 9 December, 2003. Images courtesy Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Chrysoritis pan pan female (Wingspan 28 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Yzerfontein, Western Cape Province, South Africa 9 December, 2003. Images courtesy Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Type locality: South Africa: “Farm Platrug (Malmesbury Dist., C.P.)”. Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – Farm Platrug, near Mamre (Dickson; TL); Tygerberg (Pringle et al., 1994); Melkbosstrand district (Pringle et al., 1994); Yzerfontein (Pringle et al., 1994; male and female illustrated above); Het Kruis (Pringle et al., 1994); Leipoldtville (Pringle et al., 1994); Aurora (Pringle et al., 1994). Larval food: Chrysanthemoides incana (Burm.f.) Norl. (Asteraceae) [Dickson & Kroon, 1978]. Associated ant: Crematogaster liengmei For. (Myrmicinae) [Heath, 1997].

Chrysoritis pan lysander (Pennington, 1962)# Lysander Opal

Poecilmitis lysander Pennington, 1962. Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa 25: 275 (266-286). Poecilmitis dicksoni Henning, 1977. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. [synonym of lysander] Poecilmitis atlantica Dickson, 1966. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. [synonym of lysander] Poecilmitis lysander Pennington, 1962. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis lysander Pennington, 1962. Pringle et al., 1994: 219. Poecilmitis dicksoni W.H. Henning, 1977. Pringle et al., 1994: 217. [synonym of lysander] Synonym of Chrysoritis pan (Pennington, 1962). Heath, 2001: 89. Chrysoritis pan lysander (Pennington, 1962). Heath & Pringle, 2007: 33 stat. n. Chrysoritis pan lysander Pennington, 1962. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726.

Chrysoritis pan lysander. Male (Wingspan 25 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Lambert‟s Bay, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 1 September 2007. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: South Africa: “Kamieskroon, (Namaqualand Dist., C.P.)”. Distribution: South Africa (Eastern Cape Province, Western Cape Province, Northern Cape Province). Specific localities: Eastern Cape Province – Willowmore (Cottrell). Western Cape Province – Lange Valley, S.E. of Lamberts Bay (Dickson, 1966); Struisbaai (Pringle et 45 al., 1994); Matjiesfontein (Pringle et al., 1994); Oukloofpoort (Pringle et al., 1994); Molteno Pass near Beaufort West (Pringle et al., 1994); Lambert‟s Bay (Heath & Pringle, 2007); Anysberg near Laingsburg (Heath & Pringle, 2007); Montagu (Heath & Pringle, 2007); T junction north-west of Leipoldtville [32°14'S: 18°28'E] (Heath et al., 2008). Northern Cape Province – Kamieskroon (TL; Pennington); 13 km south of Kamieskroon (Dickson and Wykeham); near Sutherland (the Pringles); slopes of the Hantamsberg near Calvinia (Dickson, 1978); near Nieuwoudtville (Pringle et al., 1994); Hondeklip Bay (Bampton); inland of Port Nolloth (Pringle et al., 1994); near Wallekraal (Pringle et al., 1994); Soebatsfontein (Pringle et al., 1994); summit of Van Rhyn‟s Pass (Pringles); Groenriviermond (Pringle et al., 1994); 18 kms east of Hondeklipbaai (Heath, 1997); Springbok (Heath & Pringle, 2007); Middelpos (Heath & Pringle, 2007); 10 km south of Kleinsee [29°43.968'S: 17°05.467'E] (Heath et al., 2008). Larval food: Aspalathus species (Fabaceae) [Clark & Dickson, 1971: 176; subspecies lysander]. Atriplex bolusii C.H.Wright (Amaranthaceae) [Heath & Pringle, 2007; Heath et al., 2008; Leipoldtville [32°14'S: 18°28'E]; subspecies lysander]. Chrysanthemoides incana (Burm.f.) Norl. (Asteraceae) [Dickson & Kroon, 1978 (subspecies pan and atlantica); Heath et al, 2008; Leipoldtville and Lambert‟s Bay (subspecies lysander)]. Osteospermum species (Asteraceae) [Heath, in Pringle et al., 1994: 218; subspecies dicksoni]. Osteospermum oppositifolium (Aiton) B.Nord. (Asteraceae) [Heath et al., 2008: 142]. Roepera flexuosa (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Beier & Thulin (Zygophyllaceae) [Heath et al, 2008; 10 km south of Kleinsee (29°43.968'S: 17°05.467'E)]. Zygophyllum species (Zygophyllaceae) [Dickson, 1965, vide Heath, 1997: 41; subspecies lysander]. Zygophyllum species (Zygophyllaceae) [Heath, in Pringle et al., 1994: 219; subspecies atlanticus]. Associated ant: Crematogaster liengmei For. (Myrmicinae) [Heath, 1997; Heath et al., 2008; 10 km south of Kleinsee (29°43.968'S: 17°05.467'E)]. Crematogaster peringueyi Emery (Myrmicinae) [Heath et al., 2008; Leipoldtville (32°14'S: 18°28'E)].

atlantica (Dickson, 1966) (as a species of Poecilmitis). Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 78: 181 (181-182). South Africa: “Lange Valley, S.E. of Lamberts Bay, Western Cape Province”. Treated as a valid species by Dickson & Kroon, 1978 and by Pringle et al., 1994: 219. Synonymized with lysander by Heath, 2001: 89. Note: D‟Abrera (2009: 728) treats atalantica [sic] as a valid species, without formally changing its status from that assigned by Heath (2001: 89).

dicksoni Henning, 1977 (as a species of Poecilmitis). Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 89: 25 (25-30). Treated as a valid species by Dickson & Kroon, 1978 and Pringle et al., 1994: 217. A junior secondary homonym of Oxychaeta dicksoni (Gabriel, 1947) – see Heath, 1997 (Metamorphosis Occasional Supplement No. 2: 17 (1-60)). Synonymized with lysander by Heath, 2001: 90.

hantamsbergae (Dickson, 1978) (as a subspecies of Poecilmitis lysander). Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 90: 293 (293-296). South Africa: “Western Cape Province: Hantam‟s Berg, Calvinia”. Treated as a subspecies of Poecilmitis lysander by Pringle et al., 1994: 219. Synonymized with lysander by Heath, 2001: 90.

williami Heath, 1997 (as replacement name for Poecilmitis dicksoni Henning, 1977). Metamorphosis Occasional Supplement No. 2: 17 (1-60). South Africa: “Namaqualand: 18 kms east of Hondeklipbaai”. Synonymized with lysander by Heath, 2001: 90.

Chrysoritis pan henningi (Bampton, 1981)# Henning‟s Opal

Poecilmitis henningi Bampton, 1981. Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 93: 189 (189-191). Poecilmitis henningi Bampton, 1981. Pringle et al., 1994: 219. Synonym of Chrysoritis pan (Pennington, 1962). Heath, 2002: 89 syn. n. Chrysoritis pan henningi (Bampton, 1981). Heath & Pringle, 2007: 33 stat. n. Chrysoritis pan henningi Bampton, 1981. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726.

Chrysoritis pan henningi. Male (Wingspan 27 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Huisrivier Pass, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 13 December 2009. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Chrysoritis pan henningi. Female (Wingspan 29 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Huisrivier Pass, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 13 December 2009. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: South Africa: “Huis River Pass, near Calitzdorp, Cape Province”. Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – Huis River Pass near Calitzdorp (TL; G. Henning and Bampton); south of Oudtshoorn (Ball); Uniondale (McMaster). Larval food: Tetraena retrofracta (Thunb.) Beier & Thulin (Zygophyllaceae) [Heath, 1997: 41; (as henningi); as Zygophyllum retrofractum Thunb.]. Associated ant: Crematogaster liengmei For. (Myrmicinae) [Heath, 1997 (as hennnigi)].

*Chrysoritis azurius (Swanepoel, 1975)# Azure Opal

Poecilmitis azurius Swanepoel, 1975. Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 87: 123 (123-124). Poecilmitis azurius Swanepoel, 1975. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis azurius Swanepoel, 1975. Pringle et al., 1994: 224. Chrysoritis azurius (Swanepoel, 1975). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis azureus Swanepoel, 1975. d‟Abrera, 2009: 728. [misspelling of species name].

Chrysoritis azurius male (Wingspan 34 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Sutherland, Northern Cape Province, South Africa 9 December, 2003. J. Dobson. Images courtesy of Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Chrysoritis azurius female (Wingspan 38 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Sutherland, Northern Cape Province, South Africa 9 December, 2003. J. Dobson Images courtesy of Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Type locality: South Africa: “Cape Province: Roggeveldt Mountains”. Distribution: South Africa (Northern Cape Province). Specific localities: Northern Cape Province – Roggeveld Mountains (TL); Quaggafontein on the Roggeveld Escarpment (Dickson and Wykeham); near Sutherland (Pringle et al., 1994; male and female illustrated above); near Nieuwoudtville (Pringle et al., 1994). Habitat: Gullies and stream-beds in karoo vegetation (Pringle et al., 1994). Habits: Fast-flighted and alert, perching often, on bushes or flowers (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: October to December (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Roepera species (Zygophyllaceae) [Heath & Pringle, 2007]. Associated ant: Unknown but suspected to be Crematogaster species [Heath, 1997: 41]. Crematogaster peringueyi (Myrmecinae) [Heath & Claassens, 2003].

*Chrysoritis aridus (Pennington, 1953)# Namaqua Opal

Poecilmitis aridus Pennington, 1953. Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa 16: 104 (94-111). Poecilmitis aridus Pennington, 1953. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis aridus Pennington, 1953. Pringle et al., 1994: 212. Chrysoritis aridus (Pennington, 1953). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis aridus Pennington, 1953. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726.

Chrysoritis aridus. Male (Wingspan 24 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Kotzesrus, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. 7 September, 2012. 48 Images: M.C. Williams.

Chrysoritis aridus. Female (Wingspan 31 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Kotzesrus, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. 7 September, 2012. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: South Africa: “Kamiesberg Mountains in Namaqualand”. Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province, Northern Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – 32 km south of Bitterfontein (Clark & Dickson, 1971); 3 km south of Bitterfontein (Pringle et al., 1994). Northern Cape Province – Kamiesberg (TL; Evans and Pennington); Springbok (Pringle et al., 1994); western slopes of the Hantamsberg (Pringle et al., 1994); near Kotzesrus [31°00.958'S; 17°47.133'E] (Heath et al., 2008). Habitat: Succulent Karoo. Habits: Fly rapidly around small bushes, on slopes of hills and mountains or on the flats. They settle frequently, either on bushes or on the ground (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: Early summer (September, October and November) (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages:

Clark & Dickson, 1971: 188, plate 91 [as Poecilmitis aridus; 20 miles [32 km] south of Bitterfontein, Western Cape Province]. “Egg: 0.8 mm diam. x 0.5 mm high. Laid singly; white, changing to pale whitish-yellow. Eggs hatch after 15-17 days. The discarded shell is not eaten. The eggs were found in the first place on large bushes of the food-plant [Chrysanthemoides incana] growing on a small rocky hill, after females of P. aridus had been observed ovipositing on the shoots of these plants, sometimes on fairly mature stems. Larva: 1st instar 1.15 mm, growing to 2.3 mm in 7 days; 2nd instar growing to 4.25 mm in 7 days; 3rd instar growing to 6.5 mm in 8 days; 4th instar growing to 9.5 mm in 13 days; 5th instar growing to 11 mm in 10 days; 6th instar growing to 16 mm in 19 days. The tubercles are present in all instars; the honey-gland from the 2nd instar, onwards. The young larva feeds on the surface of a leaf, between long rests; and the green food shows through the skin, giving the larva a temporary green tint. In the 2nd instar it is very pale whitish-yellow, tinted with blue-green owing to the green food still showing through the skin. It eats out little holes in the surface of a leaf. The stripes develop more and are added to as the larva progresses through the instar. In the 4th instar the basic colour is much the same as before, but the black neck-shield, bearing a white pattern, and the dark markings on the more anal segments, are more prominent. The final (6th) instar shows some difference from the previous one, but the larva is of the same general greyish-brown colour – partly dull green longitudinally, between the darker lines, and with the double medio-dorsal, rather irregular lines, vinous coloured. The species was reared from a single larva. Pupa: 10 mm. Of a brown colour, of the general form usual in the genus and provided with cremastral hooks. Recorded from eggs from 20 miles [32 km] S. of Bitterfontein, western Cape Province.”

Larval food: Chrysanthemoides incana (Burm.f.) Norl. (Asteraceae) [Dickson, 1965, vide Heath, 1997: 40]. Zygophyllum species (Zygophyllaceae) [Clark & Dickson, 1971: 188; in captivity]. Associated ant: Unknown but suspected to be Crematogaster species [Heath, 1997: 40]. Suspected to be Crematogaster melanogaster Emery (Myrmicinae) [Heath et al., 2008; near Kotzesrus (31°00.958'S; 17°47.133'E)].

49 *Chrysoritis turneri (Riley, 1938)# Turner‟s Opal

Poecilmitis turneri Riley, 1938. Transactions of the Royal Entomological Society of London 87: 241 (233-245). Phasis turneri Riley. Swanepoel, 1953a. Poecilmitis turneri Riley, 1938. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis turneri Riley, 1938. Pringle et al., 1994: 212. Chrysoritis turneri (Riley, 1938). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis turneri Riley, 1938. d‟Abrera, 2009: 725.

Chrysoritis turneri turneri. Male (Wingspan 24 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Sutherland, Northern Cape Province, South Africa 10 December, 2005. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Chrysoritis turneri turneri. Female (Wingspan 37 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Sutherland, Northern Cape Province, South Africa 10 December, 2005. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: South Africa: “Cape Province: Matjesfontein”. Distribution: South Africa, Lesotho? Habitat: Rocky slopes in the Karoo, including grassy Karoo and grassland in the east of its range. Usually at moderately high altitudes (Pringle et al., 1994). Habits: The flight is fast but specimens settle often, on shrubs, rocks or even on the ground (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: Summer (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Dimorphotheca cuneata (Thunb.) Less. (Asteraceae) [Heath, 1997: 40; for subspecies wykehami]. Osteospermum species (Asteraceae) [Heath, 2001: 91]. Zygophyllum species (Zygophyllaceae) [Dickson, 1953, vide Heath, 1997: 40]. Associated ant: Unknown but suspected to be Crematogaster species near liengmei For. [Heath, 1997: 40]. Crematogaster species near liengmei For. [Heath, 1997: 40; for subspecies wykehami].

Chrysoritis turneri turneri (Riley, 1938)# Turner‟s Opal

Poecilmitis turneri Riley, 1938. Transactions of the Royal Entomological Society of London 87: 241 (233-245). Phasis turneri Riley. Swanepoel, 1953a. Poecilmitis turneri Riley, 1938. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis turneri turneri Riley, 1938. Pringle et al., 1994: 212. Chrysoritis turneri (Riley, 1938). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis turneri turneri Riley, 1938. d‟Abrera, 2009: 725.

Chrysoritis turneri turneri. Male (Wingspan 24 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Sutherland, Northern Cape Province, South Africa 10 December, 2005. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Chrysoritis turneri turneri. Female (Wingspan 37 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Sutherland, Northern Cape Province, South Africa 10 December, 2005. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: South Africa: “Cape Province: Matjesfontein”. Distribution: South Africa (Eastern Cape Province, Western Cape Province, Northern Cape Province). Specific localities: Eastern Cape Province – Carlton (Pennington); Farm Hillmoor, Steynsburg (Southey); Burgersdorp (Pringle et al., 1994). Western Cape Province – Matjiesfontein (TL; Turner); Ladismith (Pringle et al., 1994); Huis River Pass (Dickson); Oudtshoorn (Van den Berg); Hex River Pass (Clark); Nuweveld Mountains, above Oukloofspoort (Pringle et al., 1994); Prince Albert (Pringle et al., 1994); Swartberg Pass (Pringle et al., 1994); Beaufort West (Pringle et al., 1994). Northern Cape Province – Roggeveld escarpment (Pringle et al., 1994); Sutherland (Pringle et al., 1994; male and female illustrated above).

Chrysoritis turneri wykehami (Dickson, 1980)# Wykeham‟s Opal

Poecilmitis wykehami Dickson, 1980. Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 92: 40 (91: 300-302; 92: 1-6, 38-44). Poecilmitis wykehami Dickson, 1980. Pringle et al., 1994: 213. Synonym of Chrysoritis turneri (Riley, 1938). Heath, 2002: 91 syn. n. Chrysoritis turneri wykehami (Dickson, 1980). Heath & Pringle, 2007: 33 stat. n.

Type locality: South Africa: “Western Cape Province: Hantam‟s Berg, Calvinia”.

51 Distribution: South Africa (Northern Cape Province). Specific localities: Northern Cape Province – Hantamsberg, Calvinia (TL).

Note: D‟Abrera (2009: 725) omits wykehami.

Chrysoritis turneri amatola (Dickson & McMaster, 1967)# Amatola Opal

Poecilmitis turneri amatola Dickson & McMaster, 1967. Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 79: 209 (209-211). Poecilmitis turneri amatola Dickson & McMaster, 1967. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis turneri amatola Dickson and McMaster, 1967. Pringle et al., 1994: 212. Chrysoritis turneri amatola (Dickson & McMaster, 1967). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis turneri amatola Dickson & McMaster, 1967. d‟Abrera, 2009: 725.

Chrysoritis turneri amatola. Male (Wingspan 25 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Gaika‟s Kop, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. 21 December 2010. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: South Africa: “Cape Province: Kologha Mountain (as labelled); full data: Amatola Mtns., above Kologha Forest Station, near Stutterheim”. Diagnosis: Can be distinguished from the nominate subspecies by the more pronounced black spotting on the upperside of the wings, and by the darker ground-colour on both wing surfaces but particularly on the hindwing underside (Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa (Eastern Cape Province), Lesotho? Specific localities: Eastern Cape Province – Mount Kubusie (Quickelberge and McMaster; TL); Stutterheim district (Pringle et al., 1994); Cathcart district (Pringle et al., 1994); Barkly East (Pringle et al., 1994); Sterkstroom (Pringle et al., 1994); Lady Grey (Pringle et al., 1994). Lesotho – Maseru? (Bowker).

*Chrysoritis uranus (Pennington, 1962)# Uranus Opal

Uranus Opal (Chrysoritis uranus) female Image courtesy Jeremy Dobson

Poecilmitis uranus Pennington, 1962. Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa 25: 277 (266-286). Poecilmitis uranus Pennington, 1962. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis uranus Pennington, 1962. Pringle et al., 1994: 225. Chrysoritis uranus (Pennington, 1962). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis uranus Pennington, 1962. d‟Abrera, 2009: 728.

Chrysoritis uranus uranus male (Wingspan 27 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Gydo Mountain, Western Cape Province, South Africa 11 December, 2005. Images courtesy Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Chrysoritis uranus uranus female (Wingspan 29 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Gydo Mountain, Western Cape Province, South Africa 11 December, 2005. Images courtesy Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Type locality: South Africa: “Gydo Mountain (Ceres Dist., C.P.)”. Diagnosis: Similar to Chrysoritis nigricans, from which it is distinguished by: forewing upperside black area narrower; forewing hind-margin more evenly curved (not elbowed); hindwing underside ground-colour less red-brown (Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa. Habitat: Montane fynbos habitats, at higher altitudes (up to 1 700 m or higher) than the closely related Chrysoritis nigricans (Pringle et al., 1994). Habits: Males congregate on rocky ridges where they establish and defend territories. They are alert and restless but settle frequently, on low rocks or on the ground (Pringle et al., 1994).

53 Flight period: November to April (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages:

Clark & Dickson, 1971: 180, plate 88 [as Poecilmitis uranus; Du Toit's Kop, Franschhoek Mountains, Western Cape; subspecies uranus]. “Egg: 0.95 mm diam. x 0.5 mm high. laid singly on a young shoot or leaf. Whitish when laid, changing to brownish-cream and then almost black, before hatching, which takes place after some 11 days. The discarded shell is not eaten. Larva: 1st instar 1.25 mm, growing to 2.5 mm in 5 days; 2nd instar growing to 4.5 mm in 7 days; 3rd instar growing to 7 mm in 11 days; 4th instar growing to 11 mm in 16 days; 5th instar growing to 16 mm in 23 days. The tubercles are present in all instars but the honey-gland is only visible in the 2nd and subsequent instars. In their earlier instars larvae eat out small holes in a leaf and rest where they are feeding. They eat the middle portion of their discarded skin after moulting. In the early instars the larva is of a light coloration with reddish streaks and darker neck- and anal-shields (which darken further, after the first moult). The later instars are appreciably darker and in the final instar the larva is of a dull greyish-brown colour (which may have a greenish tinge), streaked and marked with reddish-brown, and with the neck- and anal-shields mainly very dark. During later instars, larvae possibly live in shelters built by ants, and crawl away to feed, but this has not been observed as yet in the case of this particular species. Pupation takes place in a sheltered spot, in which the pupa is secured by its cremastral hooks. Pupa: 9.5 mm. Brownish-yellow, partly tinged with green, and the colour darkening by degrees. The duration of the pupal state is from 17-19 days or much longer, when hibernation occurs.” “Recorded from eggs from Du Toit's Kop, Franschhoek Mountains, western Cape Province.”

Larval food: Aspalathus species (Fabaceae) [Clark & Dickson, 1971: 180; in captivity; for subspecies uranus]. Aspalathus spinosa L. (Fabaceae) [Dickson & Kroon, 1978: 225; for subspecies uranus]. Centella species (Apiaceae) [Heath, 1997: 43; for subspecies uranus]. Zygophyllum species (Zygophyllaceae) [Clark & Dickson, 1971: 180; in captivity; for subspecies uranus]. Associated ant: Crematogaster species 5 (SAM-HYM C006750) [Heath, 1997: 43; for subspecies uranus].

Chrysoritis uranus uranus (Pennington, 1962)#

Poecilmitis uranus Pennington, 1962. Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa 25: 277 (266-286). Poecilmitis uranus Pennington, 1962. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis uranus uranus Pennington, 1962. Pringle et al., 1994: 225. Chrysoritis uranus uranus (Pennington, 1962). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis uranus uranus Pennington, 1962. d‟Abrera, 2009: 728.

Type locality: South Africa: “Gydo Mountain (Ceres Dist., C.P.)”. Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – Gydo Mountain (TL; male and female illustrated above); Du Toit‟s Kop above Franschhoek (Clark & Dickson, 1971); Waboomsberg north of Montagu (Pringle et al., 1994); Witzenberg north of Tulbagh (Pringle et al., 1994); Skurweberg near Ceres (Pringle et al., 1994); Keeromsberg above the Hex River Valley (Pringle et al., 1994); Hawequas Mountains (Pringle et al., 1994); Langeberg above Cogmanskloof (Pringle et al., 1994).

Chrysoritis uranus schoemani (Heath, 1994)#

Poecilmitis uranus schoemani A. Heath, 1994. In: Pringle, Henning, & Ball [eds]. Pennington’s butterflies of southern Africa 2nd edition: 225 (800pp.). Struik-Winchester, South Africa. Chrysoritis uranus schoemani (Heath, 1994). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis uranus schoemani Heath, 1994. d‟Abrera, 2009: 728.

Type locality: South Africa: “Vanrhynsdorp, 31 Dec. 1988. A. Heath.” Holotype in Transvaal Museum, Pretoria. Diagnosis: Differs from the nominate subspecies in that on the upperside of males the orange-red colouration is more extensive, especially on the hindwing (Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – Gifberg (680 m) near Vanrhynsdorp (TL; Swanepoel); Koebee Mountain (840 m) south-east of Vanrhynsdorp (Heath); Middelberg West (1 150 m), Cedarberg (Brinkman).

*Chrysoritis perseus (Henning, 1977)# Perseus Opal

Perseus Opal (Chrysoritis perseus) male upperside (left) and female upperside (right) Images courtesy Steve Woodhall

Poecilmitis perseus Henning, 1977. Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 89: 27 (25-30). Poecilmitis perseus Henning, 1977. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis perseus W.H. Henning. Pringle et al., 1994: 218. Chrysoritis perseus (Henning, 1977). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis perseus Henning, 1977. d‟Abrera, 2009: 728.

Chrysoritis perseus. Male (Wingspan 26 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Wallekraal, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. 31 August 2008. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Chrysoritis perseus. Female upperside. Image courtesy Steve Woodhall.

Type locality: South Africa: “Namaqualand: 18 kms east of Hondeklipbaai”. Diagnosis: Similar to Chrysoritis pan, from which it differs in the more extensive blue colouring on the hindwing upperside (Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province, Northern Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – Lambert‟s Bay (Heath, 1997). Northern Cape Province – 18 km east of Hondeklip Bay (TL; Van Son); Groenriviermond (Pringle et al., 1994). Habitat: Succulent Karoo, along the Namaqualand coast (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: Recorded from August to March (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages:

Bampton, in Pringle et al., 1994: 218 [as Poecilmitis perseus; locality not noted]. “Bampton found eggs and larvae of perseus on bushes of a species of Zygophyllum, the larvae being associated with Crematogaster ants in slits in the lower part of the mature stems – as has been found with a number of species of the P. thysbe group. The larvae become active at night and move about on the plants to feed on the succulent leaves. The imago was eventually reared in Cape Town from material furnished by Bampton.”

Chrysoritis perseus pupa with Crematogaster melanogaster in attendance. Image courtesy Steve Woodhall

Larval food: Atriplex bolusii C.H. Wright (Amaranthaceae) [Heath & Gardiner, 2009: 9; Groenriviermond, Northern Cape Province]. Osteospermum oppositifolium (Aiton) B.Nord. (Asteraceae) [Heath et al., 2008: 142; West Coast]. Roepera flexuosa (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Beier & Thulin (Zygophyllaceae) [Heath et al. 2008: 142; West Coast]. Roepera teretifolia (Schltr.) Beier & Thulin (Zygophyllaceae) [Heath et al., 2008: 142; Lambert‟s Bay]. Thesium species (Santalaceae) [Heath, 1997: 41; West Coast and Lambert‟s Bay]. Zygophyllum species (Zygophyllaceae) [Bampton, in Pringle et al., 1994: 218]. Associated ant: Crematogaster species near melanogaster Emery [Heath, 1997: 41; Hondeklip Bay (Heath et al., 2008); Groenriviermond (Heath & Pringle, 2007)]. Crematogaster peringueyi Emery (Myrmicinae) [Heath & Pringle, 2007 (Groenriviermond); Heath et al., 2008 (Lambert‟s Bay)].

*Chrysoritis adonis (Pennington, 1962)# Adonis Opal

Poecilmitis adonis Pennington, 1962. Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa 25: 277 (266-286). Poecilmitis adonis Pennington, 1962. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis adonis Pennington, 1962. Pringle et al., 1994: 226. Chrysoritis adonis (Pennington, 1962). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis adonis Pennington, 1962. d‟Abrera, 2009: 728.

Type locality: South Africa: “Gydo Mountain (Ceres Dist., C.P.)”. Diagnosis: Differs from the males of Chrysoritis nigricans and Chrysoritis uranus in the broader black forewing apical area and the very wide orange-red zone on the hindwing upperside. Females of adonis, on the hindwing upperside, have the black discal spots more inwardly placed than in females of the other two species (Badham, vide Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa. Habitat: Mountain fynbos. Habits: Males are restless and fly in a restricted area, settling on rocks or on the ground (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: November to February, with peak emergence possibly in January (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages:

Clark & Dickson, 1971: 184, plate 89 [as Poecilmitis adonis; Gydo Mountain, Western Cape]. “Egg: 0.85 mm diam x 0.6 mm high. Laid singly on the food-plant. White at first but later assuming a yellowish tint. Eggs hatch after some 9 days. The discarded egg shell is not eaten. Larva: 1st instar 1.75 mm, growing to 2.75 mm in 4 days; 2nd instar growing to 4.5 mm in 4 days; 3rd instar growing to 7 mm in 6 days; 4th

57 instar growing to 10 mm in 13 days; 5th instar growing to 16 mm in 20 days. The honey-gland is present in the 2nd to final instar, and the tubercles are present in all instars. The 1st instar larva is very flat and resembles a blemish on a stalk. Larvae choose a secluded spot to rest in and crawl away to feed, always returning to their silk- matted resting place. Ants are generally in attendance and may help to build the shelter, as in the case of other members of this genus. Like others, this species may have five or six instars. There is likely to be more than one brood a year, but we have no confirmation of this being so. After moulting the discarded skin is eaten, apart from the headpiece and shield on the 1st segment. The larva is of a pale colour in the earlier instars, with the longitudinal lines contrasting with the general ground-colour. In the final instar it is fairly dark greyish, with the longitudinal and other markings varying in colour, but many of them, including the medio-dosal lines, rather dull tawny-orange. There is likely to be individual variation in larvae, as in the case of those of allied species. Pupation takes place in a protected shelter at the roots of the food-plant. Pupa: 10 mm. Secured by the cremastral hooks. The pupa is of the usual form which occurs in this group of butterflies. It is of a general brownish colour, inclining to grey in parts. The duration of the pupal stage was 13 days (in March), and the single pupa which was obtained yielded a female imago.” “Recorded from eggs from the Gydo Mountain, western Cape Province.”

Larval food: Thesium species (Santalaceae) [Heath, 1997: 43]. Zygophyllum species (Zygophyllaceae) [Clark & Dickson, 1971: 184; in captivity]. Associated ant: Crematogaster species 1 (SAM-HYM C007954) [Heath, 1997: 43].

Chrysoritis adonis adonis (Pennington, 1962)#

Type locality: South Africa: “Gydo Mountain (Ceres Dist., C.P.)”. Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – northern side of the Gydo Mountain (TL; Dickson); a mountain range 25 km north of Gydo Mountain (Wykeham). Larval food: Roepera species (Zygophyllaceae) [Clark & Dickson, 1971; as Zygophyllum species]. Thesium species (Santalaceae) [Heath, 1997: 43]. Associated ant: Crematogaster liengmei (Myrmicinae) [Heath, 1997].

Chrysoritis adonis aridimontis Heath & Pringle, 2007#

Chrysoritis adonis aridimontis Heath & Pringle, 2007. Metamorphosis 18 (1): 29 (2-44). Chrysoritis adonis aridimontis Heath & Pringle, 2007. d‟Abrera, 2009: 728.

Chrysoritis adonis aridimontis. Male (Wingspan 33 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. 58 Elandsberg, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 13 December, 2009. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: South Africa: “Elandsberg”. Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – Elandsberg (TL) (a peak of the Elandsberg near Seven Weeks Poort (the Pringles)).

*Chrysoritis swanepoeli (Dickson, 1965)# Hyperion Opal

Poecilmitis swanepoeli Dickson, 1965. Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa 27: 160 (160-162). Poecilmitis swanepoeli Dickson, 1965. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis swanepoeli Dickson, 1965. Pringle et al., 1994: 221. Chrysoritis swanepoeli (Dickson, 1965). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis swanepoeli Dickson, 1965. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726.

Chrysoritis swanepoeli swanepoeli. Female upperside. Image courtesy Steve Woodhall.

Alternative common name: Swanepoel‟s Opal. Type locality: South Africa: “Prince Albert (C.P.)”. Distribution: South Africa. Habitat: Gullies and dry water courses in the Karoo (Pringle et al., 1994). Habits: Flies fast and irregularly, close to the ground. Settles often, on the ground, in stony places between shrubs. Also settles on low bushes (Swanepoel, vide Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: October to December (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Thesium species (Santalaceae) [Heath, in Pringle et al., 1994: 221; Heath, 2001 (for hyperion)]. Tylecodon paniculatus (L.f.) Toelken (Crassulaceae) [Heath, in Pringle et al., 1994: 221]. Associated ant: Crematogaster species near liengmei For. [Heath, 1997: 43; for swanepoeli]. Crematogaster liengmei For. (Myrmicinae) [Heath et al., 2008: 143; for hyperion].

Chrysoritis swanepoeli swanepoeli (Dickson, 1965)#

Poecilmitis swanepoeli Dickson, 1965. Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa 27: 160 (160-162). Poecilmitis swanepoeli Dickson, 1965. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis swanepoeli Dickson, 1965. Pringle et al., 1994: 221. Chrysoritis swanepoeli (Dickson, 1965). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. 59 Chrysoritis swanepoeli Dickson, 1965. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726.

Chrysoritis swanepoeli swanepoeli. Female upperside. Image courtesy Steve Woodhall.

Type locality: South Africa: “Prince Albert (C.P.)”. Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – lower slopes of the Swartberg Pass to the east of the road from Prince Albert (TL; Swanepoel); Schoemanshoek, near the Cango Caves (Stephen); Gamkaskloof (I. Coetzer); Huis River Pass, near Calitzdorp (V. Pringle).

Chrysoritis swanepoeli hyperion (Dickson, 1975)#

Poecilmitis hyperion Dickson, 1975. Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 87: 229 (225-231). Poecilmitis hyperion Dickson, 1975. Dickson & Kroon, 1978: 135. Poecilmitis hyperion Dickson, 1975. Pringle et al., 1994: 221. Chrysoritis hyperion (Dickson, 1975). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. = Chrysoritis swanepoeli (Dickson, 1965). Heath 2001: 91. syn. n. Chrysoritis swanepoeli hyperion (Dickson, 1975). Heath & Pringle 2007: 34. stat. n. = Chrysoritis swanepoeli Dickson, 1965. d‟Abrera 2009: 726. syn. n. Chrysoritis swanepoeli hyperion (Dickson, 1975). Heath & Pringle 2011: 4. stat. rev.

Chrysoritis swanepoeli hyperion. Male (Wingspan 25 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Swartberg Pass, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 12 December 2009. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: South Africa: “Western Cape Province: Zwartberg Pass ”. Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – High up on the south side of the Swartberg Pass (TL of hyperion; Cottrell).

60 *Chrysoritis irene (Pennington, 1968)# Irens‟s Opal

Poecilmitis irene Pennington, 1968. Novos Taxa Entomologicos (56): 7 (8 pp.). Poecilmitis irene Pennington, 1968. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis irene Pennington, 1968. Pringle et al., 1994: 221. Chrysoritis irene (Pennington, 1968). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis irene Pennington, 1968. d‟Abrera, 2009: 728.

Chrysoritis irene male (Wingspan 31 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Du Toit‟s Kloof, Western Cape Province, South Africa 12 December, 2005. Images courtesy of Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Chrysoritis irene female (Wingspan 33 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Du Toit‟s Kloof, Western Cape Province, South Africa 12 December, 2005. Images courtesy of Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Type locality: South Africa: “Du Toit‟s Kloof Pass, C.P.”. Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – lower slopes of Du Toit‟s Kloof Pass (TL; Dickson); Boskloof, near Worcester (Swanepoel; single male); Riviersonderend, near Greyton (Waters & Selb; single male). Habitat: Broken ground, between cliffs, in fynbos (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: October to March (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages:

Schlosz, 1991: 19 [Metamorphosis 2 (2): 19-20].

Larval food: Dimorphotheca species (Asteraceae) [Woodhall, 2005a]. Zygophyllum species (Zygophyllaceae) [Schlosz, in Pringle et al., 1994: 221; in captivity]. Associated ant: Unknown [Heath et al., 2008: 143].

*Chrysoritis nigricans (Aurivillius, 1924)#

61 Dark Opal

Phasis thysbe var. nigricans Aurivillius, 1924. In: Seitz, 1908-25. Die Gross-Schmetterlinge der Erde, Stuttgart (2) 13 Die Afrikanischen Tagfalter: 430 (614 pp.). Phasis nigricans Aurivillius. Swanepoel, 1953a. Poecilmitis nigricans (Aurivillius, 1924). Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis nigricans (Aurivillius, 1924). Pringle et al., 1994: 224. Poecilmitis nigricans (Aurivillius, 1924). Ackery et al., 1995. Chrysoritis nigricans (Aurivillius, 1924). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis nigricans Aurivillius, 1923. d‟Abrera, 2009: 728. [date of authorship erroneous].

Type locality: South Africa: “Cape Colony, Muizen Mountains”. Distribution: South Africa. Habitat: Fynbos. Habits: Flies fast but settles frequently, on shrubs or on the ground. Both sexes feed from flowers (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: The nominate subspecies flies from September to April. At high altitudes they fly only during the midsummer months. Subspecies zwartbergae flies from October to March, being commonest in December (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages:

Dickson, 1947: 178 [subspecies nigricans].

Clark & Dickson, 1971: 177, plate 87 [as Poecilmitis nigricans; Silvermine Plateau, Cape Peninsula, Western Cape; subspecies nigricans]. “Egg: 0.95 mm diam. x 0.45 mm high. Laid singly on young shoots or leaves. Dull white, changing to chocolate and hatching after 6-14 days. Larva: 1st instar 1.25 mm, growing to 2.5 mm in 3 days; 2nd instar growing to 3.5 mm in 7 days; 3rd instar growing to 5.5 mm in 7 days; 4th instar growing to 7 mm in 12 days; 5th instar growing to 11 mm in 13 days; 6th instar growing to 17 mm in 16-17 days. The tubercles are present in all instars but the honey-gland only appears in the 2nd and subsequent instars. In the early instars larvae feed on the younger leaves and rest where they are feeding. Later, larvae rest in ant-shelters and crawl away to feed. After moulting they may eat the middle portion of the discarded skin. The tubercles are quite active when an insect other than an ant, approaches the honey-gland. The larvae were found to be associated with Crematogaster ants (of an undescribed species, according to the late Dr. George Arnold). Pupa: 9.5 mm. Secured to its shelter by the cremastral hooks. The pupa is fairly thick in proportion to its length and is of the form usual in the genus; and is, as a whole, of a yellowish-brown colour, the tint varying in places and partly of a greenish tone. Pupal period, 17- 19 days. Parasites: Pupa - a Tachinid kills the pupa: Blepharella sp.” “Recorded from eggs and larvae from the Silvermine Plateau, Cape Peninsula.”

Schlosz, 1991: 19 [subspecies nigricans].

Larval food: Osteospermum polygaloides L. (Asteraceae) [Dickson, 1947, vide Heath, 1997: 43; for subspecies nigricans]. Roepera fulva (L.) Beier & Thulin (Zygophyllaceae) [Clark & Dickson, 1971: 177; in captivity; as Zygophyllum fulvum L.; for subspecies nigricans]. Thesium species (Santalaceae) [Heath, in Pringle et al., 1994: 225; for subspecies nigricans]. Zygophyllum species (Zygophyllaceae) [Heath, 1997: 43; for subspecies nigricans]. Associated ants: Crematogaster undescribed species [Clark & Dickson, 1971: 177; for subspecies nigricans]. Crematogaster species 7 (SAM-HYN C005631 and C0067680), species 4 (C006749), species 1 (C006752); the ants sampled were each taken from widely separate populations of this butterfly [Heath, 1997: 43; for subspecies nigricans].

Chrysoritis nigricans nigricans (Aurivillius, 1924)#

Phasis thysbe var. nigricans Aurivillius, 1924. In: Seitz, 1908-25. Die Gross-Schmetterlinge der Erde, Stuttgart (2) 13 Die Afrikanischen Tagfalter: 430 (614 pp.). Phasis nigricans Aurivillius. Swanepoel, 1953a. Poecilmitis nigricans (Aurivillius, 1924). Dickson & Kroon, 1978. 62 Poecilmitis nigricans nigricans (Aurivillius, 1924). Pringle et al., 1994: 224. Poecilmitis nigricans nigricans (Aurivillius, 1924). Ackery et al., 1995. Chrysoritis nigricans nigricans (Aurivillius, 1924). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis nigricans nigricans Aurivillius, 1923. d‟Abrera, 2009: 728. [date of authorship erroneous].

Type locality: South Africa: “Cape Colony, Muizen Mountains”. Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – Muizenberg Mountains (TL; Feltham); Table Mountain (Pringle et al., 1994); near Mamre (Pringle et al., 1994); Witsand (Pringle et al., 1994); Waaihoek Mountain (Pringle et al., 1994); Franschhoek (Pringle et al., 1994); Hermanus (Pringle et al., 1994); De Hoop (Pringle et al., 1994); Struisbaai (Pringle et al., 1994); Gansbaai (Pringle et al., 1994); Cape Infanta (Pringle et al., 1994). [Appears to be extinct in the localities previously recorded in the Cape Peninsula (Pringle et al., 1994)].

Chrysoritis nigricans zwartbergae (Dickson, 1982)#

Poecilmitis nigricans zwartbergae Dickson, 1982. In: Dickson, 1981-2. Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 94: 41 (93: 219-221; 94: 32-35, 41-44). Poecilmitis nigricans zwartbergae Dickson, 1982. Pringle et al., 1994: 225. Chrysoritis nigricans zwartbergae (Dickson, 1982). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis nigricans zwartbergae Dickson, 1982. d‟Abrera, 2009: 728.

Type locality: South Africa: “Western Cape Province: Zwartberg Pass”. Diagnosis: Differs from the nominate subspecies in the following repects: on the upperside hindwing the black band is much broader and the veins in the orange-red area are more conspicuously black- scaled; on the hindwing underside the ground-colour is deeper rufous brown (Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – Swartberg Pass (TL); Seven Weeks Poort (Pringle et al., 1994); Kammanassie Mountains (Ball; single male).

Chrysoritis nigricans rubrescens Heath & Pringle, 2007#

Poecilmitis nigricans rubrescens Heath & Pringle, 2007. Metamorphosis 18 (1): 28 (2-44). Chrysoritis nigricans rubescens Heath & Pringle, 2007. d‟Abrera, 2009: 728.

Chrysoritis nigricans rubescens. Male (Wingspan 28 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Paardeberg, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 13 December 2007. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Chrysoritis nigricans rubescens. Female (Wingspan 30 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Paardeberg, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 13 December 2007. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: South Africa: “Gamka Mountain Nature Reserve, 30 km WSW of Oudtshoorn, Western Cape Prov.”. Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – Gamka Mountain Nature Reserve (TL).

*Chrysoritis palmus (Stoll, 1781)# Water Opal

Water Opal (Chrysoritis palmus) male upperside (left) and underside (right) Images courtesy Steve Woodhall

Papilio palmus Stoll, 1781. In: Stoll, 1780-2. Die Uitlandsche Kapellen voorkomende in de drie waerrelddeelen Asia, Africa en America 4 [part]: 100 (29-252). Amsteldam & Utrecht. Zeritis palmus (Cramer, 1782). Trimen & Bowker, 1887b. [misattribution of author] Phasis palmus Cramer. Swanepoel, 1953a. [misattribution of author] Poecilmitis palmus (Cramer, 1781). Dickson & Kroon, 1978. [misattribution of author] Poecilmitis palmus (Stoll, 1781). Pringle et al., 1994: 213. Poecilmitis palmus (Stoll, 1781). Ackery et al., 1995. Chrysoritis palmus (Stoll, 1781). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis palmus Stoll, 1781. d‟Abrera, 2009: 725.

Chrysoritis palmus palmus male (Wingspan 26 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Du Toits‟ Kloof, Western Cape Province, South Africa 10 December, 2003. Images courtesy Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Chrysoritis palmus palmus female (Wingspan 29 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Du Toits‟ Kloof, Western Cape Province, South Africa 10 December, 2003. Images courtesy Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Type locality: [South Africa]: “Kaap de Goede Hoop”. Distribution: South Africa. Habitat: The shrub-covered slopes of valleys, usually in the vicinity of streams, in fynbos (Pringle et al., 1994). Habits: The flight is rapid and specimens are fond of settling on bracken fronds. They will also alight on other vegetation and even on the ground. Both sexes are fond of the yellow flowers of plants belonging to the daisy family (Asteraceae) (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: September to April. Subspecies margueritae is commonest from January to March (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages:

Dickson, 1945: 99 [subspecies palmus].

Clark & Dickson, 1971: 185, plate 90 [as Poecilmitis palmus; above St. James, Cape Peninsula, Western Cape Province; subspecies palmus]. “Egg: 0.85 mm diam. x 0.5 mm high. Laid singly; pale green at first, fading to whitish, then turning to chocolate. Eggs hatch after 11-12 days. The discarded shell is not eaten. Larva: 1st instar 1.5 mm, growing to 2.5 mm in 7 days; 2nd instar growing to 4 mm in 8 days; 3rd instar growing to 5.5 mm in 11 days; 4th instar growing to 7 mm in 12 days; 5th instar growing to 9.5 mm in 12 days; 6th instar growing to 12 mm in 14 days; 7th instar growing to 17 mm in 23-30 days. The tubercles are present in all instars but the honey-gland is only present from the 2nd instar, onwards. In the 1st instar the larva is mainly light stone-coloured, marked and suffused with a more or less dull vinous colour, and with slightly reddish, dark-brown neck- and anal-shields. The ground-colour does not change much in the earlier instars, but a green tinge may be apparent, and in the later instars this becomes progressively pronounced. The final (7th) instar larva is rather bright green and the longitudinal lines darker green, while some dark markings are present towards the anal end – partly the result of concentrations of the small setae of specialized type. Head black; neck- and anal-shields dark to very dark brown. The larvae of P. palmus have been found to be associated with the ant Crematogaster peringueyi Em. var. angustior Arn. Pupa: 10 mm. Secured by the cremastral hooks and, in nature, probably pupating within a shelter constructed by ants.” “There is more than one brood in this species, which is associated with ants, and larvae can be found in leaf-shelters.” “Recorded from eggs and larvae from the mountain-side above St. James, Cape Peninsula.”

Larval food: (Possibly) Anthospermum aethiopicum L. (Rubiaceae) [Clark & Dickson, 1971: 185; for subspecies palmus]. Aspalathus carnosa P.J.Bergius (Fabaceae) [Dickson, 1953, vide Heath, 1997: 41; Clark & Dickson, 1971: 185; in captivity; as Aspalathus sarcantha Vog.; for subspecies palmus]. Berzelia abrotanoides (L.) Brongn. (Amaranthaceae) [Dickson, 1944, vide Heath, 1997: 41; for subspecies palmus].

65 Berzelia intermedia (D.Dietr.) Schltdl. (Amaranthaceae) [Dickson, 1944, vide Heath, 1997: 41; Clark & Dickson, 1971: 185; for subspecies palmus]. Berzelia lanuginosa (L.) Brongn. (Amaranthaceae) [Dickson, 1944, vide Heath, 1997: 41; Clark & Dickson, 1971: 185; for subspecies palmus]. Chrysanthemoides incana (Burm.f.) Norl. (Asteraceae) [Dickson & Kroon, 1978]. Chrysanthemoides monilifera (L.) Norl. (Asteraceae) [Dickson, 1965, vide Heath, 1997: 41; Clark & Dickson, 1971: 185; for subspecies palmus]. Associated ant: Crematogaster peringueyi Emery var. angustior Arnold [Clark & Dickson, 1971: 185; for subspecies palmus].

Chrysoritis palmus palmus (Stoll, 1781)#

Papilio palmus Stoll, 1781. In: Stoll, 1780-2. Die Uitlandsche Kapellen voorkomende in de drie waerrelddeelen Asia, Africa en America 4 [part]: 100 (29-252). Amsteldam & Utrecht. Zeritis palmus (Cramer, 1782). Trimen & Bowker, 1887b. [misattribution of author] Phasis palmus Cramer. Swanepoel, 1953a. [misattribution of author] Poecilmitis palmus (Cramer, 1781). Dickson & Kroon, 1978. [misattribution of author] Poecilmitis palmus palmus (Stoll, 1781). Pringle et al., 1994: 213. Poecilmitis palmus (Stoll, 1781). Ackery et al., 1995. Chrysoritis palmus (Stoll, 1781). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis palmus palmus Stoll, 1781. d‟Abrera, 2009: 725.

Type locality: [South Africa]: “Kaap de Goede Hoop”. Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – Above St. James (Clark & Dickson, 1971); Peninsula (Pringle et al., 1994); Tygerberg Hills (Pringle et al., 1994); Du Toit‟s Kloof (Pringle et al., 1994; male and female illustrated above); Riviersonderend Mountains (Pringle et al., 1994); Swellendam (Pringle et

66 al., 1994); Grootvadersbos (Pringle et al., 1994).

Chrysoritis palmus margueritae (Dickson, 1982)#

Poecilmitis palmus margueritae Dickson, 1982. In: Dickson, 1981-2. Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 94: 43 (93: 219-221; 94: 32-35, 41-44). Poecilmitis palmus margueritae Dickson, 1982. Pringle et al., 1994: 213. Chrysoritis palmus margueritae (Dickson, 1982). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis palmus margueritae Dickson, 1982. d‟Abrera, 2009: 725.

Type locality: South Africa: “Western Cape Province: 6 miles E. Of Knysna”. Diagnosis: Specimens of this subspecies are consistently darker than those of the nominate subspecies (Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa (Eastern Cape Province, Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Eastern Cape Province – Kareedouw (Pringle et al., 1994); Vanstadensberg, near Port Elizabeth (Pringle et al., 1994). Western Cape Province – 10 km east of Knysna (TL; M. Wykeham); Nature‟s Valley (Pringle et al., 1994); George (Pringle et al., 1994); Montagu (Pringle et al., 1994).

*Chrysoritis brooksi (Riley, 1938)# Brooks‟ Opal

Poecilmitis thysbe brooksi Riley, 1938. Transactions of the Royal Entomological Society of London 87: 241 (233-245). Phasis brooksi Riley. Swanepoel, 1953a. Poecilmitis brooksi Riley, 1938. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis brooksi Riley, 1938. Pringle et al., 1994: 217. Chrysoritis brooksi (Riley, 1938). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis brooksi Riley, 1938. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726.

Chrysoritis brooksi brooksi male (Wingspan 28 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Brandvlei Dam, Western Cape Province, South Africa 12 December, 2005. Images courtesy of Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Chrysoritis brooksi brooksi female (Wingspan 30 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Brandvlei Dam, Western Cape Province, South Africa 20 December, 2003. Images courtesy of Jeremy and Chris Dobson. 67

Type locality: South Africa: “Cape Province, nr. Philadelphia”. Distribution: South Africa. Habitat: Fynbos on low hills and in flat country, some distance inland from the sea (Pringle et al., 1994). Habits: Flies rapidly among short bushes (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: For subspecies tearei the flight period is from September to April, with occasional records in winter (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages:

Dickson, 1959: 312 [subspecies brooksi].

Schlosz & Schlosz, 1990: 24 [Metamorphosis 1 (27): 24-25].

Schlosz, 1991a: 4 [Met. 2 (1): 4; subspecies brooksi].

NB – see also Met. 2 (2): 19 and Met. 2 (3): 19.

Larval food: Aspalathus spinosa L. (Fabaceae) [Dickson, 1959, vide Heath, 1997: 41; see also remarks by Heath, 1997: 8; for subspecies brooksi]. Thesium species (Santalaceae) [Heath, in Pringle et al., 1994: 217; for subspecies brooksi]. Zygophyllum species (Zygophyllaceae) [Heath, in Pringle et al., 1994: 217; for subspecies tearei]. Zygophyllum species (Zygophyllaceae) [Schlosz, in Heath, 1997: 41; for subspecies brooksi]. Associated ants: Crematogaster peringueyi Emery [Dickson, 1959: - according to Heath, 1997: 41 for subspecies brooksi]. Crematogaster species 3 (SAM-HYM C006746) [Heath, 1997: 41; for subspecies tearei].

Chrysoritis brooksi brooksi (Riley, 1938)#

Poecilmitis thysbe brooksi Riley, 1938. Transactions of the Royal Entomological Society of London 87: 241 (233-245). Phasis brooksi Riley. Swanepoel, 1953a. Poecilmitis brooksi brooksi Riley, 1938. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis brooksi brooksi Riley, 1938. Pringle et al., 1994: 217. Chrysoritis brooksi brooksi (Riley, 1938). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis brooksi brooksi Riley, 1938. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726.

Type locality: South Africa: “Cape Province, nr. Philadelphia”. Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – near Philadelphia (TL); Tygerberg (Pringle et al., 1994); Dassenberg (Pringle et al., 1994); Katzenberg (Pringle et al., 1994); Perdeberg (Pringle et al., 1994); Tulbaghkloof (Pringle et al., 1994); De Wet foothills near Worcester (Pringle et al., 1994); just south of Langebaan (Pringle et al., 1994); near Brandvlei Dam in the Worcester district (Pringle et al., 1994; male and female illustrated above).

Chrysoritis brooksi tearei (Dickson, 1966)#

Poecilmitis brooksi tearei Dickson, 1966. Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 78: 218 (217-219). Poecilmitis brooksi tearei Dickson, 1966. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis brooksi tearei Dickson, 1966. Pringle et al., 1994: 217. Chrysoritis brooksi tearei (Dickson, 1966). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis brooksi tearei Dickson, 1966. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726.

Type locality: South Africa: “E. of Riversdale, Western Cape Province”. Diagnosis: Compared to the nominate subspecies the blue scaling of the upperside is more extensive and more silvery and the black markings are better developed (Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – east of Riversdale (TL); Bredasdorp district (various collectors); near Stilbaai (the Pringles).

*Chrysoritis daphne (Dickson, 1975)# Daphne‟s Opal

Poecilmitis (Poecilmitis) daphne Dickson, 1975. Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 87: 227 (225-231). Poecilmitis daphne Dickson, 1975. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis daphne Dickson, 1975. Pringle et al., 1994: 222. Chrysoritis daphne (Dickson, 1975). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis daphne Dickson, 1975. d‟Abrera, 2009: 728.

Chrysoritis daphne. Left – male upperside. Right – male underside. Images courtesy Steve Woodhall.

Chrysoritis daphne. Female (Wingspan 30 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Mannetjiesberg, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 16 December 2009. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: South Africa: “Western Cape Province: Mannetjieberg, Kamanassieberg”. Diagnosis: Similar to Chrysoritis pyramus but differs, in the male, as follows: smaller; forewing upperside blue colouration less extensive, with black edging (seen in pyramus) absent; hindwing upperside blue colouration more extensive, with black marginal spotting better developed. The female differs as follows: upperside basal blue less extensive; upper- and underside of forewing more heavily marked. Chrysoritis daphne also resembles Chrysoritis plutus but the latter species has the upperside ground-colour lighter and an underside which is less rich (Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – Mannetjieberg, Kammanassie Mountains (TL; Cottrell). Habitat: Steep, rough, south-facing slopes in fynbos (Pringle et al., 1994). Habits: This is an alert and wary species. Individuals tend to fly in the vicinity of bushy ledges above or below cliff faces (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: November to February (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Thesium species (Santalaceae) [Heath, 1997: 42]. Associated ant: Crematogaster species 8 (SAM-HYM C009481) [Heath, 1997: 42]. Crematogaster liengmei [Heath, et al., 2008: 143].

*Chrysoritis plutus (Pennington, 1967)# Plutus‟ Opal

Poecilmitis plutus Pennington, 1967. Novos Taxa Entomologicos (51): 4 (9 pp.). Poecilmitis plutus Pennington, 1976. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. [Incorrect date] Poecilmitis plutus Pennington, 1976. Pringle et al., 1994: 219. Chrysoritis plutus (Pennington, 1967). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis plutus Pennington, 1967. d‟Abrera, 2009: 728. 70

Chrysoritis plutus. Male (Wingspan 26 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Elandsberg, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 13 December 2009. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Chrysoritis plutus. Female (Wingspan 30 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Elandsberg, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 13 December 2009. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: South Africa: “Sevenweekspoort (Zwartberg Mts., C.P.)”. Diagnosis: Darker and brighter on both wing surfaces than Chrysoritis pan. The black markings are also better developed and in males the basal blue area is more extensive (Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa (Eastern Cape Province, Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Eastern Cape Province – Willowmore (Van Son). Western Cape Province – southern end of Seven Weeks Poort (TL; Pennington); halfway up the northern side of the Swartberg Pass at 1 000 m (Pennington); Farm Karbonaatjes Kraal, near the summit of the Hex River Pass (Dickson); Farm Eendracht, south of the summit of the Hex River Pass (Dickson); mountains in the Montagu district (Dickson); Potjiesberg Pass (G. Henning); Touws River (Pringle et al., 1994); Uniondale (Pringle et al., 1994). Habitat: Hilly and mountainous terrain, in the Nama Karoo (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: August to December are the recorded months (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Thesium species (Santalaceae) [Heath, in Pringle et. al., 1994: 220]. Roepera species (Zygophyllaceae) [Pringle et. al., 1994: 220]. Associated ant: Crematogaster peringueyi Emery [Heath, 1997: 42].

*Chrysoritis blencathrae (Heath & Ball, 1992)# Waaihoek Opal

Poecilmitis blencathrae Heath & Ball, 1992. Metamorphosis 3 (3): 86 (86-88). Poecilmitis blencathrae Heath and Ball, 1992. Pringle et al., 1994: 213. Chrysoritis blencathrae (Heath & Ball, 1992). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. 71 Chrysoritis blencathrae Heath & Ball, 1992. d‟Abrera, 2009: 728.

Chrysoritis blencathrae. Male (Wingspan 32 mm). Left – upperside. Right – underside. Waaihoekberge, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 4 January 2013. J. Dobson Images M.C. Williams ex Dobson Collection.

Chrysoritis blencathrae. Female (Wingspan 34 mm). Left – upperside. Right – underside. Waaihoekberge, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 4 January 2013. J. Dobson Images M.C. Williams ex Dobson Collection.

Type locality: South Africa: “South Africa; Waaihoek Mountain near Worcester, Cape Province, 26.i.1992, C.W. Wykeham.” Described from 36 males and 21 females, all from the type locality. Holotype in the Transvaal Museum, Pretoria. Known only from the type locality. Diagnosis: Similar to Chrysoritis turneri but is larger and on the forewing upperside it has a broad black apex and outer margin (Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province –Waaihoek Mountain, near Worcester (TL; Wykeham). Habitat: Mesic mountain fynbos, which is seldom more than 60 cm high. Flies close to the peaks on Waaihoek Mountain, at 1 600 m (Pringle et al., 1994). Habits: The flight is fast. Specimens occasionally settle on the ground, or alight on flowers to feed (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: Recorded from December to February (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Daisy species (Asteraceae) [Pringle et al., 1994: 213]. Dimorphotheca venusta (Norl.) Norl. (Asteraceae) [Heath, 1997: 40]. Associated ant: Crematogaster species 6 (SAM-HYM C006753) [Heath, 1997: 40]. Crematogaster liengmei [Heath et al., 2008: 143].

*Chrysoritis endymion (Pennington, 1962)# Endymion Opal

72 Poecilmitis endymion Pennington, 1962. Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa 25: 274 (266-286). Poecilmitis endymion Pennington, 1962. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis endymion Pennington, 1962. Pringle et al., 1994: 221. Chrysoritis endymion (Pennington, 1962). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis endymion Pennington, 1962. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726.

Chrysoritis endymion. Male underside. Image courtesy Steve Woodhall.

Chrysoritis endymion. Female upperside. Image courtesy Steve Woodhall.

Type locality: South Africa: “Du Toit‟s Kop (Paarl Dist., C.P.)”. Diagnosis: Similar to Chrysoritis swanepoeli, from which it differs in the following respects: forewing margin more angled; dark costal border less pronounced; underside more brightly marked (Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – summit of Du Toit‟s Kop above the Franschhoek Pass (TL; Dickson); on the peak to the south of the summit of Du Toit‟s Kloof Pass (Pringle et al., 1994); peaks on the Hawequas Mountains (Pringle et al., 1994); Jonaskop in the Riviersonderend Mountains (Dickson and Wykeham). Habitat: Rocky summits of mountain peaks in mountain fynbos (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: November to January (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Thesium species (Santalaceae) [Heath, in Pringle et al., 1994: 222]. Thesidium species (Santalaceae) [Bampton, in Heath, 1997: 43; requires confirmation according to Heath et al., 2008: 143]. Associated ant: Crematogaster peringueyi Emery [Heath, 1997: 43].

*Chrysoritis rileyi (Dickson, 1966)# Riley‟s Opal

Poecilmitis rileyi Dickson, 1966. Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 78: 241 (241-243). Poecilmitis rileyi Dickson, 1966. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis rileyi Dickson, 1966. Pringle et al., 1994: 217. Chrysoritis rileyi (Dickson, 1966). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis rileyi Dickson, 1966. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726.

Chrysoritis rileyi. Male (Wingspan 33 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Worcester, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 3 January 2012. H. Selb ex Dobson Collection. Images: M.C. Williams.

Chrysoritis rileyi. Female upperside. Image courtesy Steve Woodhall.

Type locality: South Africa: “Brand Vlei, near Worcester, Cape Province”. Known only from the type locality (Pringle et al., 1994). Diagnosis: Males differ from those of Chrysoritis thysbe in the more extensive and more intensely metallic blue scaling on the upperside of the wings and the less elongated forewing apex (Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – east end of the Brandvlei Dam, near Worcester (TL; Dickson). Habitat: Gently sloping hills, in fynbos (Pringle et al., 1994). Habits: Both sexes are often seen feeding from the flowers of mesembryanthemums (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: September to April (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Aspalathus species (Fabaceae) [Schlosz, in Heath, 1997: 41]. Aspalathus spinosa L. (?) (Fabaceae) [Henning, S., & Henning, G., 1989: 97]. Thesium species (Santalaceae) [Heath, in Pringle et al., 1994: 217].

74 Associated ant: Crematogaster peringueyi Emery [Heath, 1997: 41]. Conservation status: Classified as Endangered (Henning et al., 2009: 33).

*Chrysoritis pyramus (Pennington, 1953)# Pyramus Opal

Poecilmitis pyramus Pennington, 1953. Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa 16: 105 (94-111). Poecilmitis pyramus Pennington, 1953. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis pyramus Pennington, 1953. Pringle et al., 1994: 222. Chrysoritis pyramus (Pennington, 1953). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis pyramus Pennington, 1953. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726.

Chrysoritis pyramus pyramus. Male (Wingspan 34 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Swartberg Pass, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 10 December 2007. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Chrysoritis pyramus pyramus. Female (Wingspan 36 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Swartberg Pass, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 10 December 2007. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: South Africa: “Half a mile east of the summit of the Zwartberg Pass at 5,000 ft.”. Female described by Pennington in 1962 (J. ent. Soc. sth. Afr. 25 (2): 274). Distribution: South Africa. Habitat: Mountain Fynbos (on the peaks of high mountains only). Habits: This is a very fast-flighted and alert species. Males are territorial. It will often fly a considerable distance after being disturbed, alighting on rocks or on the ground (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: October to March (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Chrysanthemoides incana (Burm.f.) Norl. (Asteraceae) [Heath, in Pringle et al., 1994: 222; in captivity]. Dimorphotheca montana Norl. (Asteraceae) [Heath, 1997: 42; for subspecies balli]. Osteospermum asperulum (DC.) Norl. (Asteraceae) [Heath, 1997: 42]. Osteospermum species (Asteraceae) [Heath, in Pringle et al., 1994: 222]. Thesium species (Santalaceae) [Heath, 1997: 42].

75 Associated ant: Crematogaster species 3 (SAM-HYM C0067520 [Heath, 1997: 42]. Crematogaster peringueyi Emery [Heath, 2001: 91].

Chrysoritis pyramus pyramus (Pennington, 1953)# Pyramus Opal

Chrysoritis pyramus pyramus. Male (Wingspan 34 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Swartberg Pass, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 10 December 2007. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Chrysoritis pyramus pyramus. Female (Wingspan 36 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Swartberg Pass, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 10 December 2007. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: South Africa: “Half a mile east of the summit of the Zwartberg Pass at 5,000 ft.”. Female described by Pennington in 1962 (J. ent. Soc. sth. Afr. 25 (2): 274). Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – summit of the Swartberg Pass (TL; Pennington); peaks of the mountains behind Grootvadersbos (Wykeham); peaks above Seven Weeks Poort (Pringle et al., 1994).

Chrysoritis pyramus balli (Dickson & Henning, 1980)# Ball‟s Opal

Poecilmitis balli Dickson & Henning, 1980. Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 92: 294 (294-297). Poecilmitis balli Dickson and G.A. Henning, 1980. Pringle et al., 1994: 222. Synonym of Chrysoritis pyramus (Pennington, 1953). Heath, 2001: 91 syn. n. Chrysoritis pyramus balli (Dickson & Henning, 1980). Heath & Pringle, 2007: 34 stat. n. Chrysoritis pyramus balli Dickson & Henning, 1980. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726. 76

Chrysoritis pyramus balli. Male (Wingspan 33 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Mannetjiesberg, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 16 December 2009. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Chrysoritis pyramus balli. Female (Wingspan 35 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Mannetjiesberg, Western Cape Province, South Africa. 16 December 2009. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: South Africa: “Western Cape Province: Kammanassie Mountains”. Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – Kammanassie Mountains (TL); Swartberg Mountains above Meiringspoort (Heath & Pringle, 2007); Langeberg above Grootvadersbos (Wykeham).

*Chrysoritis violescens (Dickson, 1971)# Violescent Opal

Poecilmitis violescens Dickson, 1971. Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 83: 1 (1-2). Poecilmitis violescens Dickson, 1971. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis violescens Dickson, 1971. Pringle et al., 1994: 223. Chrysoritis violescens (Dickson, 1971). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis violescens Dickson, 1971. d‟Abrera, 2009: 728.

Chrysoritis violescens. Male (Wingspan 28 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Sutherland, Northern Cape Province, South Africa 18 October 2008. J. Dobson. 77 Images: M.C. Williams.

Chrysoritis violescens. Female (Wingspan 30 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Sutherland, Northern Cape Province, South Africa 18 October 2008. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: South Africa: “Western Cape Province: Summit of Komsberg Pass, S.S.E. of Sutherland, Komsberg Escarpment”. Diagnosis: Distinguished from the males of the sympatric Chrysoritis beaufortius by the following features: a smaller insect; on the upperside an extensive violaceous pink glow beyond the basal silvery blue. The female is similar to that of Chrysoritis turneri but is more heavily marked on the underside (Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa (Northern Cape Province). Specific localities: Northern Cape Province – summit of the Komsberg Pass (TL; Dickson); Roggeveld Escarpment (Dickson); Quaggafontein, 40 km north-west of Sutherland (E. Pringle; single male). Habitat: Ridges and rocky outcrops in karroid vegetation (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: October to December (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Dimorphotheca cuneata (Thunb.) Less. (Asteraceae) [Heath, 1997: 43]. Associated ant: Crematogaster peringueyi Emery [Heath, 1997: 43].

*Chrysoritis beaufortia (Dickson, 1966)# Beaufort Opal

Poecilmitis beaufortia Dickson, 1966. Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 78: 109 (109-110). Poecilmitis beaufortia Dickson, 1966. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis beaufortia Dickson, 1966. Pringle et al., 1994: 222. Chrysoritis beaufortius (Dickson, 1966). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis beaufortia Dickson, 1966. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726.

Type locality: South Africa: “Nieuwveld Mtns. (at aproximately 5,500 ft.), near Beaufort West, Western Cape Province”. Diagnosis: Similar to Chrysoritis pyramus but is lighter on both surfaces, with the forewing upperside black markings much less prominent (Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa. Habitat: Montane Karoo, on plateaux and mountain peaks (Pringle et al., 1994). Habits: Males establish territories on patches of bare, gravel-covered ground on rocky ridges and rocky outcrops. Females fly at random in adjacent lower-lying areas (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: September to December (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Chrysanthemoides monilifera (L.) Norl. (Asteraceae) [Pringle et al., 1994: 223]. Dimorphotheca cuneata (Thunb.) Less. (Asteraceae) [Pringle et al., 1994: 223].

78 In captivity the larvae refuse Zygophyllum species (Zygophyllaceae) [Heath, in Pringle et al., 1994: 223]. Norlindhia amplectens (Harv.) B. Nord. (Asteraceae) [Heath, 1997: 43] (misidentified as Osteospermum cuneata (Thunb.) Less., by Williams & Woodhall, vide Pringle et al., 1994: 223 – see Heath, 1997: 43; as Tripteris amplectens (Harv.) T. Norl.). Associated ant: Crematogaster peringueyi Emery [Heath, 1997: 43].

Chrysoritis beaufortia beaufortia (Dickson, 1966)# Beaufort Opal

Poecilmitis beaufortia Dickson, 1966. Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 78: 109 (109-110). Poecilmitis beaufortia beaufortia Dickson, 1966. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis beaufortia beaufortia Dickson, 1966. Pringle et al., 1994: 223. Chrysoritis beaufortius (Dickson, 1966). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis beaufortia beaufortia Dickson, 1966. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726.

Type locality: South Africa: “Nieuwveld Mtns. (at aproximately 5,500 ft.), near Beaufort West, Western Cape Province”. Distribution: South Africa (Western Cape Province). Specific localities: Western Cape Province – Nuweveld Mountains, between Beaufort West and Loxton at 1 700 m (TL; Dickson).

Chrysoritis beaufortia charlesi (Dickson, 1970)# Charles‟ Opal

Poecilmitis beaufortia charlesi Dickson, 1970. Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 82: 93 (93-95). Poecilmitis beaufortia charlesi Dickson, 1970. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis beaufortia charlesi Dickson, 1970. Pringle et al., 1994: 223. Synonym of Chrysoritis beaufortius (Dickson, 1966). Heath, 2001: 87 syn. n. Chrysoritis beaufortius charlesi (Dickson, 1970). Heath & Pringle, 2007: 34 stat. n. Chrysoritis beaufortia charlesi Dickson, 1970. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726.

Chrysoritis beaufortius charlesi. Male (Wingspan 34 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Quaggafontein, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. 18 October 2008. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: South Africa: “Western Cape Province: Quagga Fontein, approximately 25 miles N.W. of Sutherland”. Distribution: South Africa (Northern Cape Province). Specific localities: Northern Cape Province – Quaggafontein, 40 km north-west of Sutherland (TL; Dickson and Wykeham).

Chrysoritis beaufortia stepheni (Dickson, 1978)# Stephen‟s Opal

Poecilmitis stepheni Dickson, 1978. Entomologist’s Record and Journal of Variation 90: 294 (293-296). Poecilmitis stepheni Dickson, 1978. Pringle et al., 1994: 223. Synonym of Chrysoritis beaufortius (Dickson, 1978). Heath, 2001: 87 syn. n. Chrysoritis beaufortius stepheni (Dickson, 1978). Heath & Pringle, 2007: 35 stat. n. Chrysoritis beaufortia stepheni Dickson, 1978. d‟Abrera, 2009: 728.

Type locality: South Africa: “Western Cape Province: Hantam‟s Berg, Calvinia”. Distribution: South Africa (Northern Cape Province). Specific localities: Northern Cape Province – Summit of the Hantamsberg, Calvinia (TL; Stephen); Witwater (= Wolfhok), near Garies (Henning, 1979).

kaplani (Henning, 1979) (as a species of Poecilmitis). Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa 42: 153 (153-159). South Africa: “Wolfhok, near Garies, Namaqualand, Cape Province”. Treated as a valid species by Pringle et al., 1994: 223. Synonymized with beaufortius stepheni by Heath, 2001: 87.

Chrysoritis beaufortia sutherlandensis Heath & Pringle, 2007# Sutherland Opal

Chrysoritis beaufortius sutherlandensis Heath & Pringle, 2007. Metamorphosis 18 (1): 22 (2-44). Chrysoritis beaufortia sutherlandensis Heath & Pringle, 2007. d‟Abrera, 2009: 728.

Chrysoritis beaufortius sutherlandensis male (Wingspan 33 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Sutherland, Northern Cape Province, South Africa 8 December, 2003. Images courtesy of Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Chrysoritis beaufortius sutherlandensis female (Wingspan 36 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Sutherland, Northern Cape Province, South Africa 8 December, 2003. Images courtesy of Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Type locality: South Africa: “Swaarweerberg, Sutherland”. 80 Distribution: South Africa (Northern Cape Province). Specific localities: Northern Cape Province – Swaarweerberg, Sutherland district (TL; male and female illustrated above); Komsberg Pass (Heath & Pringle, 2007).

*Chrysoritis beulah (Quickelberge, 1966)# Beulah‟s Opal

Poecilmitis beulah Quickelberge, 1966. Novos Taxa Entomologica (47): 4 (11 pp.). Poecilmitis beulah Quickelberge, 1966. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis beulah Quickelberge, 1966. Pringle et al., 1994: 221. Chrysoritis beulah (Quickelberge, 1966). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis beulah Quickelberge, 1966. d‟Abrera, 2009: 728.

Chrysoritis beulah. Female upperside. Image courtesy Steve Woodhall.

Type locality: South Africa: “Welbedacht, Uitenhage district, C.P.”. Distribution: South Africa (Eastern Cape Province). Specific localities: Eastern Cape Province – Farm Welbedacht, between Uitenhage and Steytlerville (TL; Quickelberge); Willowmore district (Cottrell); near Jansenville (Pringle et al., 1994); Witmos, on the Fish River (V. Pringle); near Graaff-Reinet (Kroon and Kaplan). Habitat: Gentle slopes in typical karoo country (Pringle et al., 1994). Habits: The flight is fast, and individuals settle on flowers or on low vegetation. It is a very alert and wary butterfly. Unusually for the genus, specimens have been seen feeding on the flowers of acacia trees some metres above the ground (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: October to February. The main emergence appears to be in November (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published. Associated ant: Nothing published.

*Chrysoritis braueri (Pennington, 1967)# Brauer‟s Opal

Poecilmitis braueri Pennington, 1967. Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa 29: 122 (121-123). Poecilmitis braueri Pennington, 1967. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis braueri Pennington, 1967. Pringle et al., 1994: 220. Chrysoritis braueri (Pennington, 1967). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis braueri Pennington, 1967. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726.

Chrysoritis braueri. Male (Wingspan 22 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Queenstown, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. 20 December 2010. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Chrysoritis braueri. Female (Wingspan 24 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Queenstown, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. 5 January 2009. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: South Africa: “Madeira Hill (Queenstown Dist., C.P.)”. Distribution: South Africa (Eastern Cape Province). Specific localities: Eastern Cape Province – Madeira Hill near Queenstown (TL; Brauer); Mount Kubusie near Stutterheim (Pringle et al., 1994); Windvogel Mountain near Cathcart (Pringle et al., 1994); Dontsa Pass, between Stutterheim and Keiskammahoek (Pringle et al., 1994); mountains of the Bedford district (the Pringles); Katberg (Cox); Bashee River (Bowker); Cala (Quickelberge); 32°25.831'S: 26°10.775'E (Heath et al., 2008). Habitat: Rocky outcrops in montane grassland (Pringle et al., 1994). Habits: The flight is vigorous (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: August to November and February-March (Brauer, vide Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages:

Clark & Dickson, 1971: 173, plate 85 [as Poecilmitis braueri; Eastern Cape Province]. “Egg: 0.8 mm diam. x 0.5 mm high. Laid singly. Pure white when laid and acquiring, in 4 or 5 days‟ time, a partial salmon-pink tone, or sometimes a yellow tint, while there is a touch of brown on some eggs. The egg bears a coarse honeycomb pattern, as in allied species. In midsummer, eggs hatch 9 days after being laid. Larva: On emergence 1.5 mm. Of a pale yellowish or stone colour, with black or nearly black head, neck- and anal-shields. There are double, rather broken, medio-dorsal pale reddish lines and a fairly broad subdorsal longitudinal reddish streak – and there is marking of the same colour beneath the lateral ridge. The retractile tubercles are present at this stage. The setae on the upper surface of the body and the longer lateral setae are dark coloured, lightening towards their ends, as are the mainly long setae at the extremities of the body, while the lower ones on the ridge are light coloured. As is not unusual in this genus, the larva bears a pair of long dorsal setae on segment 10, directed rearwards, which are erectile but are normally recumbent. There are also a number of lenticles on the surface of the body. The larva failed to survive beyond the 1st instar.” “Recorded from eggs from the eastern Cape Province, furnished by Mr. C.D. Quickelberge.”

Edge & Pringle, 2006.

Larval food: Lotononis carnosa (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Benth. subsp. carnosa (Fabaceae) [Edge & Pringle, 2007

82 (Metamorphosis 18 (1): 45)]. Myrsine africana L. (Myrsinaceae) [Heath, 1997: 42]. Suspected to be Psoralea species [Edge & Pringle, 2006; incorrect – misidentification for Lotononis carnosa]. Zygophyllum species (Zygophyllaceae) [Clark & Dickson, 1971: 173; in captivity]. Thesium species (Santalaceae) [Heath et al., 2008; at 32°25.831'S: 26°10.775'E]. Associated ant: Crematogaster species 4 (SAM-HYM C007958) [Heath, 1997: 42]. Crematogaster species near peringueyi Emery (Formicinae) [Heath et al., 2008; at 32°25.831'S: 26°10.775'E].

*Chrysoritis penningtoni (Riley, 1938)# Pennington‟s Opal

Poecilmitis penningtoni Riley, 1938. Transactions of the Royal Entomological Society of London 87: 239 (233-245). Phasis penningtoni Riley. Swanepoel, 1953a. Poecilmitis penningtoni Riley, 1938. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis penningtoni Riley, 1938. Pringle et al., 1994: 220. Chrysoritis penningtoni (Riley, 1938). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis penningtoni Riley, 1938. d‟Abrera, 2009: 725.

Chrysoritis penningtoni. Male (Wingspan 20 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Gaika‟s Kop, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. 21 December 2010. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Chrysoritis penningtoni. Female (Wingspan 22 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Gaika‟s Kop, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. 21 December 2010. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: South Africa: “Gaika‟s Kop, C.P.”. Distribution: South Africa (Eastern Cape Province). Specific localities: Eastern Cape Province – halfway up the west side and near the summit on the north side of Gaika‟s Kop (Bowker and Pennington; TL); Mount Kubusie, near Stutterheim (Pringle et al., 1994); Elandsberg, near Seymour (Quickelberge and McMaster); Hogsback (Pringle et al., 1994). Habitat: Rocky outcrops, with shrubs, in montane grassland at altitudes above 1 500 m (Pringle et al., 1994). 83 Flight period: October to March (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published. Associated ant: Crematogaster species 8 (SAM-HYM C009253) or species 1 (C009250) [Heath, 1997: 42]. Conservation status: Classified as Vulnerable (Henning et al., 2009: 36).

*Chrysoritis orientalis (Swanepoel, 1976)# Eastern Opal

Eastern Opal (Chrysoritis orientalis) female upperside (left) and underside (right) Images courtesy Steve Woodhall

Poecilmitis orientalis Swanepoel, 1976. Annals of the Transvaal Museum 30: 119 (119-120). Poecilmitis orientalis Swanepoel, 1976. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis orientalis Swanepoel, 1976. Pringle et al., 1994: 220. Chrysoritis orientalis (Swanepoel, 1976). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis orientalis Swanepoel, 1976. d‟Abrera, 2009: 728.

Chrysoritis orientalis. Female (Wingspan 22 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Bushman‟s Nek, Kwa Zulu-Natal, South Africa. 13 December 2010. J. Dobson. Images: M.C. Williams.

Type locality: South Africa: “Boesmansnek, Drakensberg Mountains”. Diagnosis: Most similar to Chrysoritis pelion but is smaller and the basal blue on the upperside is more extensive and lighter in tone (Pringle et al., 1994). Also similar to Chrysoritis braueri but, in the male, the forewing is more rounded, the basal blue on the upperside is more restricted and duller, and the distal margin is narrowly black. On the hindwing upperside the blue extends to the discal spots and the distal margin is very narrowly black. The female differs from that of braueri in that the black discal spots on the upperside of both wings are smaller, the amount of white in the cilia is reduced, and in the forewing there is less black on the veins (Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal, ?Eastern Cape Province). Specific localities:

84 KwaZulu-Natal – Bushman‟s Nek, west of Underberg (TL; Swanepoel). Eastern Cape Province – Specimens collected at Lundean‟s Nek and Naude‟s Nek by the Pringles appear to be transitional between Chrysoritis orientalis and Chrysoritis pelion (Pringle et al., 1994). Habitat: Montane grassland. Habits: The flight is rapid but it settles frequently. Males defend territories at the bases of rocky ridges and eroded gullies near the summit of mountains. Territorial males use rocks or bare patches of ground as perch sites (Pringle et al., 1994). Flight period: October to January (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Thesium species (Santalaceae) [Heath and Joubert, in Heath, 1997: 42]. Associated ant: Crematogaster species 7 (SAM-HYM C009252) [Heath, 1997: 42].

*Chrysoritis pelion (Pennington, 1953)# Basotho Opal

Poecilmitis pelion Pennington, 1953. Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa 16: 106 (94-111). Poecilmitis pelion Pennington, 1953. Dickson & Kroon, 1978. Poecilmitis pelion Pennington, 1953. Pringle et al., 1994: 220. Chrysoritis pelion (Pennington, 1953). Heath, 1997 comb. nov. Chrysoritis pelion Pennington, 1953. d‟Abrera, 2009: 726.

Chrysoritis pelion. Male (Wingspan 22 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Free State Province, South Africa. 10 January 2001. M.C. Williams Collection.

Chrysoritis pelion female (Wingspan 26 mm). Left – upperside; right – underside. Sehonghong Valley, Lesotho 12 January, 2003. Images courtesy Jeremy and Chris Dobson.

Alternative common name: Machacha Opal. Type locality: [Lesotho]: “10,000 feet on Mt. Machacha and near Giant‟s Castle in the Basutoland mountains”. Diagnosis: Similar to Chrysoritis penningtoni but the cilia are more heavily chequered, the forewing margin is angled, and the blue scaling on the upperside is greatly reduced and darker blue (especially in

85 the female) (Pringle et al., 1994). Distribution: South Africa (Free State Province, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape Province), Lesotho. Specific localities: Free State Province – Golden Gate Highlands National Park (Williams; male illustrated above). KwaZulu-Natal – top of the Langalibalele Pass (Pennington); near Giant‟s Castle (Pennington, 1953). Eastern Cape Province – above New England in the Witteberg Mountains (Pennington). Lesotho – Mount Machacha (TL; Crawshay); Blue Mountain Pass (Pringle et al., 1994); Moteng Pass (Pringle et al., 1994); Motete River (Pringle et al., 1994); Sehonghong Valley (J. & C. Dobson; female illustrated above). Habitat: High altitude fynbos (macchia), from 2 400 to over 3 000 m. Flight period: November to February, with peak emergence in December (Pringle et al., 1994). Early stages: Nothing published. Larval food: Nothing published. Associated ant: Nothing published.