Cupreous blue
Eicochrysops messapus
Fun Fact: Cupreous Blues (Elcochrysops messapus) prefer bushveld typically inhabited with an abundant amount of thorn-trees. They love flying through long, damp grass.
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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