Abstract

ARMSTRONG, Adrian J.  and  SMITH, Yvette Ehlers. Endangered White-spotted Ketsi Blue butterfly, Lepidochrysops ketsi leucomacula, in KwaZulu-Natal. Bothalia (Online) [online]. 2024, vol.54, n.1, pp.1-8. ISSN 3078-8056.  https://doi.org/10.38201/btha.abc.v54.3.

The appropriate management of the habitat of the endangered and endemic White-spotted Ketsi Blue butterfly, Lepidochrysops ketsi leucomacula Henning & Henning, 1994, is necessary for its survival. Much of the life history and ecology of this butterfly are unknown. The oviposition plant was found to be Selago tarach-odes Hilliard and the plants that were observed to be visited by L. k. leucomacula for nectar all had pink flowers. Monitoring of two populations of L. k. leucomacula in protected areas commenced in March 2022. Surveillance and walked transects were the monitoring methods used. Observed threats to this endangered butterfly in protected areas were uncontrolled grazing by domestic livestock and mowing of its grassland habitat. Fencing of its grassland habitat may be a way to control these threats.

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