Notes on the early stages of Argyrocupha malagrida maryae (Wallengren)(Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)
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Published source details
Heath A. & Brinkman A. (1995) Notes on the early stages of Argyrocupha malagrida maryae (Wallengren)(Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae). Metamorphosis, 6, 167-173.
Published source details Heath A. & Brinkman A. (1995) Notes on the early stages of Argyrocupha malagrida maryae (Wallengren)(Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae). Metamorphosis, 6, 167-173.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Rear declining species in captivity Action Link |
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Rear declining species in captivity
A study in 1995 in a captive setting in the Western Cape, South Africa (Heath & Brinkman 1995b) reported that two wild-caught, gravid female scarce mountain copper butterflies Argyrocupha malagrida brought into captivity laid eggs, but none hatched. Two gravid females of the scarce Table Mountain copper subspecies Argyrocupha malagrida maryae and Argyrocupha malagrida paarlensis, collected from the wild, laid eggs in captivity (approximately 12 each). Time from capture to laying is not reported. Eight months after laying no eggs had hatched but dissection revealed the larvae inside were still alive. In January 1995, one Argyrocupha malagrida maryae was caught near Bredasdorp and one Argyrocupha malagrida paarlensis on the Perdeberg mountain. They were each placed in their own container covered with netting and containing pieces of buchu plant Agathosma sp. And three common pugnacious ants Anoplolepis custodiens from where the butterflies were caught. Six weeks after laying, the eggs were exposed to direct sunlight for short periods daily, but this was stopped after 3–4 days. Eggs were misted with water once every two months. An egg was dissected at three, six and eight months after hatching.
(Summarised by: Eleanor Bladon)
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