| Heidelberg copper | |
|---|---|
| |
| Conservation status | |
 Endangered (IUCN 3.1) | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Lycaenidae |
| Genus: | Chrysoritis |
| Species: | C. aureus |
| Binomial name | |
| Chrysoritis aureus van Son, 1966 | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Chrysoritis aureus, the Heidelberg copper or golden opal, is a species of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is endemic to South Africa, where it is found in montane grassland in Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces.
The wingspan is 24–28 mm for males and 28–32 mm for females. Adults are on wing year-round with peaks in December and March.
The larvae feed on Clutia pulchella varieties. They are attended to by Crematogaster liengmei ants.
References
- Henning, G.A. (2020). "Chrysoritis aureus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T17840A168307918. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T17840A168307918.en. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
- Woodhall, Steve (2005). Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa. Cape Town, South Africa: Struik. ISBN 978-1-86872-724-7.
| Taxon identifiers | |
|---|---|
| Chrysoritis aureus | |
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