Notes on the natural history of the Brenton Blue Orachrysops niobe (Trimen)(Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)
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Published source details
Edge D., Pringle E., Glen H. & Bedford R. (1996) Notes on the natural history of the Brenton Blue Orachrysops niobe (Trimen)(Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae). Metamorphosis, 7, 109-122.
Published source details Edge D., Pringle E., Glen H. & Bedford R. (1996) Notes on the natural history of the Brenton Blue Orachrysops niobe (Trimen)(Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae). Metamorphosis, 7, 109-122.
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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 1995–1996 in a captive setting in the Western Cape, South Africa (Edge & Pringle 1996) reported that 27% of wild-caught Brenton blue butterfly Orachrysops niobe eggs developed into adults. Of 15 eggs collected from the wild and kept in captivity, four developed into adult butterflies. However, captive reared adults were smaller (18–20 mm wingspan) than average wild-reared adults (26–30 mm). Some caterpillars died from a fungal infection (numbers not provided). In November 1995, researchers observed Brenton blue butterflies ovipositing at the Brenton Blue Butterfly Reserve near Knysna and collected 15 freshly-laid eggs to be reared in captivity. Eggs were placed in small air-tight plastic containers and provided with a sprig of Indigofera porrecta every 3–4 days throughout development. Eggs, all caterpillar instars, pupae and adults were measured. Survival data is only provided for adults.
(Summarised by: Eleanor Bladon)
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