Hintza blue

Introduction: Hintza Blues (Z. hintza krooni) normally flutter around low vegetation. Males head for an isolated tree near a thick bush to establish their own territory. Flying fast and high is no problem for the male, especially to ward off intruders.

Distribution: Possibly throughout Namibia less for the Namib Desert as the host plant has a wide distribution in the country.

Breeding/Larval food: The leaves of its host plant the buffalo-thorn (Ziziphus mucronata). A danger for caterpillars is the leaves are browsed by giraffe and eland as well as livestock.

Colouration: The white markings on the upperside are far more evident than other spp.

On the wing: September to April.

Wingspan: 25 to 30mm.