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.