Argyraspodes is a butterfly genus in the family Lycaenidae.[1] It is monotypic containing only the species Argyraspodes argyraspis, the warrior silver-spotted copper, which is found in South Africa, in the Western and Eastern Cape, Free State and Northern Cape.
| Warrior silver-spotted copper | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Lycaenidae |
| Subfamily: | Aphnaeinae |
| Genus: | Argyraspodes Tite & Dickson, 1973 |
| Species: | A. argyraspis
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| Binomial name | |
| Argyraspodes argyraspis (Trimen, 1873)
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| Synonyms | |
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Description
editThe wingspan is 32–38 mm for males and 35–45 mm females. Adults are on wing from August to March and sometimes from July to April.[2]
Habitat and behavior
editMales are territorial and are noted for establishing said territories on subtle, rocky outcrops. These butterflies show characteristis of "labuschagnei" form, having specific markings on their undersides and dark borders on their upperwings.
There has been an unusually high occurence sighted, which is attributed to the above-average rainfall in the Kalahari during summers.[3]
References
edit- ^ Argyraspodes at Markku Savela's Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms
- ^ Woodhall, Steve (2005). Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa. Cape Town, South Africa: Struik. ISBN 978-1-86872-724-7.
- ^ Krüger, M. (2000). "A review of the afrotropical Cabera subalba group, with description of the first Southern African species (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Ennominae)". Metamorphosis. 111 (3). The Lepidopterists' Society of Africa: 111–121. ISSN 2307-5031 – via Lepsoc.