Cupreous blue
Introduction: Cupreous Blues (Elcochrysops
messapus) prefer bushveld typically inhabited with an abundant amount of
thorn-trees. They love flying through long, damp grass.
Distribution: Central
Namibia, the Erongo Mountains, Windhoek, Okahandja and in the Otavi,
Grootfontein and Tsumeb region.
Breeding/Larval food: African
sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata) are favoured. The leaves of this evergreen hardy
shrub are grey-green or blue-green. Flowers are yellow-green.
Colouration: Copper-pink
colouring on the base of its wings. Females are plain brown with striking
coppery patches which males lack.
On the wing: Throughout the
year, preferring the warmer summer months.
Wingspan: Male: 18 to 20mm.
Female: 16 to 19mm.
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