Mecenero et al. / Metamorphosis 31(4): 1–160
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/met.v31i4.4
Genus Erikssonia Trimen, 1891
Erikssonia edgei Gardiner & Terblanche, 2010
Waterberg Acraea Copper; Waterberg Kopervlerkie
Jeremy C.H. Dobson & Chris M. Dobson
CR B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v)
Endemic
87
have been found at the Bateleur site, approximately 800 m
apart. The colonies are separated by a game-fence, which
marks the border of the Bateleur Nature Reserve; the northwestern colony lies on a privately-owned farm. In contrast to
most of the adjacent areas, the areas where the butterflies fly
are relatively free of large rocks and boulders. Both the
Perdekop and Bateleur localities occur at the ecotone
between Waterberg Mountain Bushveld and Central Sandy
Bushveld vegetation types. Common denominators include
altitude (both sites are at about 1 650 m); deep sandy soils;
the presence of Gnidia plants and the presence of Lepisiota
ants.
Vegetation types: SVcb17 Waterberg Mountain Bushveld,
(SVcb17 Waterberg Mountain Bushveld).
Assessment rationale: A very range-restricted endemic to
Limpopo province in South Africa (EOO 4 km2 and AOO
4 km2). This taxon is known from only one location, Bateleur
Nature Reserve, where it was discovered in March 2013.
Bateleur is receiving regular monitoring by LSA, and
numbers of the butterfly have been in rapid decline for four
years in a row, very likely a result of one of the worst
droughts in recorded history. LSA organised a controlled
grass-burn at the Bateleur location in August 2016. This
appears to have improved the quality of habitat within the
area occupied by one of the two colonies at this location. The
other colony, beyond the Bateleur boundary fence, plus the
Perdekop location have received no active management. No
adults have been seen at the Perdekop locality location for
more than 20 years. Numerous searches in the adjacent area
have failed to locate further subpopulations. The habitat at
the Perdekop location has deteriorated markedly and is
believed to have led to the disappearance of the taxon at this
site, where it is now considered to be locally extinct. The
taxon thus qualifies globally under the IUCN criteria as
Critically Endangered under criterion B.
Change in status from SABCA: The status has not changed
from the previous assessment.
Type locality: Limpopo province, Perdekop, Waterberg
Mountains, 24°27'34"S 27°50'38"E, 1 600 m, 27.xii.1980,
D.A. Edge.
Taxonomy: The Waterberg population of Erikssonia was
formerly thought to represent Erikssonia acraeina. This
population has subsequently been described as a new
species, Erikssonia edgei, by Gardiner & Terblanche (2010).
Distribution: Endemic to Limpopo province in South
Africa, confined to one locality in the Waterberg Mountains
at Bateleur Nature Reserve. It is locally extinct at Perdekop.
Habitat: At the type-locality (Perdekop) this species was
found on level ground with a grassy understory, herbaceous
elements and scattered trees, at the north-western base of a
small mountain. The new location in Bateleur Nature
Reserve, discovered in March 2013, occupies a gentle Southeast facing grassy slope, with deep sandy soil. Two colonies
Threats: A major threat at the Perdekop locality was the lack
of regular burning and the exclusion of grazing animals.
There were no fires from 1984 to 1989 and the population
declined. After fire cycles were reintroduced in 1989 the
population increased. Since then the habitat became severely
overgrown and the larval host plant disappeared. No adults
have been recorded from this site for more than 20 years,
where it is now considered to be locally extinct. At the
Bateleur locality a controlled burn was undertaken in August
2016 and the initial indications are that the veld has been
rejuvenated, with abundant flowering Gnidia. The most
significant current threat to this site was a recent drought,
which was only broken in 2017. The number of butterflies
observed through regular site-monitoring has declined
rapidly over the last three seasons.
Conservation measures and research required:
Conservation actions include regular population monitoring
and habitat management of the Bateleur subpopulation.
Searches for new localities elsewhere in Bateleur and the
wider Waterberg area should be continued. The option of
seeking Provincial protection for the Bateleur site is being
considered.
Relevant literature:
Mecenero et al. / Metamorphosis 31(4): 1–160
Edge, D.A. 2014. Searching in the Waterberg for Erikssonia
edgei Gardiner & Terblanche, 2010 during December
2011 & January 2012. Metamorphosis 25: 77–81.
Garvie, O.G., Dobson, J.C.H., Edge, D.A., Gardiner, A.J.,
Terblanche, R.F. & Williams, M.C. 2014. Research and
conservation plan for the Waterberg Copper (Erikssonia
edgei Gardiner & Terblanche, 2010) (Lepidoptera:
Lycaenidae) at the Bateleur Nature Reserve.
Metamorphosis 25: 100–108.
Genus Hypolycaena Felder C., 1862
Hypolycaena lochmophila Tite, 1967
Coastal Hairstreak; Strand Stertbloutjie
Steve E. Woodhall
VU B2ab(iii)
88
H. philippus it is in a straight line, roughly parallel to the
submarginal band) (Pringle et al., 1994).
Distribution: This taxon is found in KwaZulu-Natal
province in South Africa, from False Bay in the south to Kosi
Bay in the north-east, and Tembe Elephant Park in the northwest. Also found in Malawi (Ruo Forest near Mount
Mulanje). There are unconfirmed records from Beira in
Mozambique and the Mutare area of Zimbabwe, which were
not considered for this assessment.
Habitat: Shady areas of coastal or lowland dry, sandy forest.
The very similar H. philippus may be found nearby but it
flies in open areas on the edges of the forest.
Vegetation types: CB1 Maputaland Coastal Belt, FOa2
Swamp Forest, FOz7 Northern Coastal Forest, FOz8 Sand
Forest, SVl18 Tembe Sandy Bushveld, SVl23 Zululand
Lowveld.
Assessment rationale: This species is found in KwaZuluNatal province in South Africa and recently it was also
recorded in Malawi (EOO 26 000 km2, AOO 60–2 000 km2)
(the potential AOO is very likely to be < 2 000 km2 – even
though the actual figure is unknown and very uncertain).
This is because the habitat between Maputaland and Malawi
has been heavily transformed and we know this butterfly is a
specialist. In South Africa there are five locations, two of
which (Manguzi and Sodwana Bay) are under threat from
bush clearance, small scale agriculture and urbanisation.
There is a possible future threat of insecticide spraying of
deltamethrin, to reduce tsetse fly populations to a degree
where sterile male release could eradicate them, but in the
medium term (five years) this is unlikely (A. Armstrong,
pers. comm.; and www-naweb.iaea.org/nafa/ipc/tsetseflies.html). The Malawian subpopulation is also a location
under threat, due to forest clearance encouraged by
government action. A Data Deficient (Distribution)
assessment could be considered, in the light of the high level
of uncertainty about the true distribution. However, the
number of locations is small, the AOO is small, and there are
threats to at least three locations. The taxon thus qualifies
globally under the IUCN criteria as Vulnerable under
criterion B.
Type locality: Hluhluwe.
Taxonomy: Hypolycaena lochmophila is very similar to the
widespread H. philippus philippus, and is often confused
with it. It differs from H. philippus in that the upperside
ground-colour is darker in both sexes; the underside groundcolour is bright whitish grey (dull grey-brown in philippus);
on the forewing underside the postdiscal transverse band
bends outwards below vein 3, forming an elbow which
nearly approximates the submarginal band in area 1B (in
Change in status from SABCA: Despite the threats
intensifying since the previous assessment, this in itself has
not been enough for the taxon to change status. The main
reason for the change in status is because better information
has become available since the previous assessment, with
EOO and AOO estimates as well as number of locations
based on more reliable data. Previously, EOO was given as
> 50 000 km2, whereas now it is approximately 26 000 km2,
possibly more. No AOO figure was given previously, and
although still uncertain it is definitely less than 2 000 km2.
Currently, six locations are known. Also, several of the
records previously stated to be this taxon have proven on
examination to be the common and widespread H. philippus
philippus, with which it can easily be confused. The same
Vulnerable category would have been valid for the previous
assessment and thus the change in status from Least Concern
to Vulnerable is non-genuine.
Threats: The subpopulations in Manguzi Forest and
Sodwana Bay, despite being inside protected areas, are under
threat from bush clearance, small scale agriculture, and
urbanisation. The authorities appear to have little power to
Mecenero et al. / Metamorphosis 31(4): 1–160
prevent this. The Maputaland subpopulations also face a
possible future threat of insecticide spraying to reduce tsetse
fly populations to a point where sterile male release can be
used to eliminate them. The Malawian subpopulation is
under threat from forest clearance as a result of government
allocating responsibility for forest care to local chiefs. This
has led to extensive deforestation all over the country (R.
Murphy, pers. comm.). This is a niche taxon that is
vulnerable to changes in rainfall and temperature as a result
of anthropogenic climate change. This makes the
subpopulations in reserves such as False Bay Park, Tembe
and Kosi Bay, as well as Phinda, subject to threats from
temperature extremes and droughts.
Conservation measures and research required: The EOO
is likely to be larger than that recorded in this assessment,
because it may often be overlooked because of its similarity
to H. phillipus. Research is needed into its life history and
ecology, and the known populations need to be monitored.
Genus Iolaus Hübner, [1819]
Iolaus aemulus Trimen, 1895
Short-barred Sapphire; Wegkruipertjie Saffier
Fanie Rautenbach
LC
Endemic
89
Type locality: Natal, D'Urban.
Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.
Distribution: Endemic to the Eastern Cape and KwaZuluNatal provinces in South Africa, from East London in the
south and Durban to Ndumo in the north. Likely to occur in
adjacent parts of Mozambique and Swaziland.
Habitat: Forest edges, normally in coastal bush.
Vegetation types: AT53 Umtiza Forest Thicket, CB3
KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Belt Grassland, FOz7 Northern
Coastal Forest, SVl21 Makatini Clay Thicket, SVs6 Eastern
Valley Bushveld, (AT56 Hamburg Dune Thicket), (FOz7
Northern Coastal Forest).
Assessment rationale: An endemic taxon found in the
KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces in South Africa
(EOO 27 300 km2). There are five locations. However, more
subpopulations may be found in Swaziland, Mozambique
and in under-surveyed areas in South Africa. This butterfly
is difficult to observe in the wild. It is therefore suspected
that there are more than 10 locations. The host plant is used
as traditional medicine and has been exterminated from some
known localities where the taxon used to be found. There is
a risk of continuous decline in the habitat of the remaining
subpopulations as a result of further collecting of the host
plant for traditional medicine and urban development. The
taxon thus qualifies globally under the IUCN criteria as Least
Concern.
Change in status from SABCA: The status has not changed
from the previous assessment.
Threats: The most significant threat to this taxon is overutilisation of its host plant for traditional medicine
throughout its range. In addition, most of the subpopulations
are very near coastal areas where housing, commercial,
tourist, and roads/railroad expansion is a threat to the taxon.
Conservation measures and research required: The areas
where the remaining subpopulations are need to be protected
and managed, especially the host plant. There should also be
a concerted effort to find more subpopulations. Research is
needed into its life history and ecology.
Iolaus diametra natalica Vári, 1976
Natal Yellow-banded Sapphire; Natalse Geelstreep Saffier
Steve E. Woodhall
LC
Rare – Low Density
Type locality: Hluhluwe.
Taxonomy: This taxon is the South African subspecies of
Iolaus diametra, which has four subspecies in total.
Nominate I. d. diametra is found from north-central
Tanzania to southern Ethiopia. I. d. congco occurs in coastal
Kenya and Tanzania, and I. d. zanzibarensis occurs on
Zanzibar Island.
Distribution: This taxon is found in KwaZulu-Natal
province in South Africa, from Durban in the south, Weenen
in the west to Ndumo in the north. Also from Xai Xai in
southern Mozambique.
Mecenero et al. / Metamorphosis 31(4): 1–160
Habitat: Savanna and forest at low to medium altitudes, with
90
Change in status from SABCA: The status has not changed
from the previous assessment.
Threats: The subpopulations in most nature reserves are not
under threat, except that in Ndumo where slash and burn
agriculture and a land claim threaten the reserve. Farming
(citrus orchards and bush cutting to allow cattle to graze) has
eliminated one known locality, near Mandawe Hill.
Uncontrolled land use change and habitat destruction are the
major threats to populations in unprotected areas. The
subpopulation at Xai Xai in Mozambique is subject to threats
of tourism development. The subpopulations in Maputaland
face a possible future threat of deltamethrin spraying to
control tsetse fly, in preparation for sterile male release (A.
Armstrong,
pers.
comm.,
and
wwwnaweb.iaea.org/nafa/ipc/tsetse-flies.html).
Conservation measures and research required: This
taxon is not threatened but its host plant is uncommon.
Outside protected areas, it may be under threat from
agriculture and human encroachment. The subpopulations of
the butterfly and its habitat need to be monitored.
Iolaus lulua (Riley, 1944)
White-spotted Sapphire; Witkol Saffier
Steve E. Woodhall & Alan J. Gardiner
VU B1ab(iii)
some records from further inland at higher altitudes (Weenen
and the Tugela Valley).
Vegetation types: CB1 Maputaland Coastal Belt, FOz5
Scarp Forest, FOz7 Northern Coastal Forest, Gs20 Moist
Coast Hinterland Grassland, SVl21 Makatini Clay Thicket,
SVl22 Northern Zululand Sourveld, SVs6 Eastern Valley
Bushveld, (SVs6 Eastern Valley Bushveld).
Assessment rationale: A rare, low density taxon occurring
over a wide area of KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa
and also in southern Mozambique (EOO 32 659 km2). Many
of its known subpopulations are in protected areas and have
recently been found to be thriving and mostly under little
threat at present. Only one of these, in Ndumo, is under threat
of shifting agriculture and bush clearance due to land
invasion. The whole of Maputaland is under a possible future
threat of deltamethrin spraying for Tsetse Fly, but this is
unlikely to occur in the near future. There may well be more
subpopulations than indicated by the current data because it
is seldom seen on the wing and probably remains undersampled, especially in southern Mozambique. Most adults
are recorded from rearing larvae found on the host plants. It
is a rare butterfly whose host plant is uncommon. The taxon
thus qualifies globally under the IUCN criteria as Least
Concern and is nationally classified as Rare (Low Density).
Mecenero et al. / Metamorphosis 31(4): 1–160
Type locality: Hluhluwe, False Bay, Zululand.
Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.
Distribution: This species is found in the KwaZulu-Natal
province of South Africa from the Makatini Flats at False
Bay in the south to Ndumo in the north. It has been found at
one locality in Mozambique near Xai Xai but it should also
occur in the Maputo Special Reserve although no
observations have been made there yet.
Habitat: It is found in coastal forest and thick bush near
rivers, fresh water pans and on the coast where its semiparasitic host plants are found. Its host plants are from the
family Loranthaceae, such as Oncocalyx bolusii in South
Africa and Tapinanthus sp. in Mozambique. The life cycle
has been photographed but not all instars published.
Vegetation types: FOz7 Northern Coastal Forest, SVl16
Southern Lebombo Bushveld, SVl18 Tembe Sandy
Bushveld, SVl21 Makatini Clay Thicket, SVl23 Zululand
Lowveld.
Assessment rationale: A rare species in KwaZulu-Natal
province, South Africa, and southern Mozambique. The
EOO is 10 714 km2. There are five locations. The localities
in the False Bay Park/Mkhuze/Phinda area are well protected
and under little threat. The subpopulation in Ndumo Nature
Reserve is experiencing ongoing loss of habitat due to bush
clearing for subsistence agriculture. The subpopulation in
southern Mozambique is under threat from tourism
developments and agriculture. The known habitat is not
severely fragmented in South Africa, but it is in
Mozambique. Although only five locations are reported here,
there could be more because the butterfly is likely to occur
in other places such as Maputo Special Reserve. It is seldom
encountered and has sedentary, secretive habits. The taxon
thus qualifies globally under the IUCN criteria as Vulnerable
under criterion B.
Change in status from SABCA: Previously, the AOO was
given as 3 125 km2 and it was stated that its known
‘locations’ (actually subpopulations) are all inside protected
areas, so they were under no threat. In SALCA the AOO is
measured at 56 km2 including some new subpopulations.
Now we know the Ndumo subpopulation (location) to be
under threat of land invasion leading to bush clearance. This
was not the case during the previous assessment so it is a
genuine change in status. Another subpopulation (and
location) was discovered in Mozambique but this is also
under threat, from tourism development. This threat was
probably present during the previous assessment so is a nongenuine change in status. Only the location in southern
Maputaland (which contains some newly discovered
subpopulations) is in well protected areas. Many suitable
localities have been searched since the previous assessment.
The Mkuze subpopulation has not been confirmed to exist
despite searching for it. The Ndumo subpopulation was
searched for (including the exact geo-coordinates) and
neither the butterfly nor its host plant was found. The reasons
for these absences cannot be reliably attributed to changes in
threat levels. The areas are difficult to survey and other
subpopulations may be present but undetected, but extensive
searches in suitable areas have failed to turn up new
subpopulations. Therefore, the assumption made in the
previous assessment that its low density and elusive nature
indicated that it was probably more numerous than actual
91
observations indicated, was probably erroneous. This leads
to the deduction that the threats were underestimated at the
time, so with the reduction in known AOO (new data) the
change in status from Least Concern to Vulnerable would
appear to be non-genuine.
Threats: In southern Mozambique, coastal bush is under
threat from cultivation and housing. The recent records from
2014–2016 of this species at Xai Xai indicates that it was
probably formerly widespread across the Mozambique
section of the Maputaland region. However, almost all
suitable habitat in this area has been lost to urban expansion,
rural settlements and agriculture, leading to the
fragmentation of the population of this formerly widespread
species. Threat of habitat loss at Xai Xai is ongoing. This
subpopulation in Mozambique is also under threat from
tourism development because Xai Xai is a popular tourist
destination. It may be present in Maputo Special Reserve, a
protected locality falling under the National Reserve system
of Mozambique. Its remaining habitat in South Africa is
protected, but it has also had extensive losses outside
protected areas in the past (especially in the 20th century
when there were extensive land use changes from
agriculture, human development [sprawl] and plantations).
The two South African subpopulations are in nature reserves,
and in one of these habitat loss due to development is not
considered to be a major threat (False Bay Park, Mkhuze and
Phinda Private Game Reserve). This is because the land
managers have good conservation policies. However, the
location in Ndumo Nature Reserve is under threat from
illegal bush clearance and small-scale agriculture and cattle
grazing. Environmental changes or events such as fires,
droughts, etc. could have an effect on population sizes. Also,
all the South African Maputaland subpopulations are under
a possible future threat of insecticide spraying to reduce
Tsetse Fly populations to a size that can be extirpated using
sterile male release (A. Armstrong, pers. comm.; wwwnaweb.iaea.org/nafa/ipc/tsetse-flies.html). However, this is
unlikely to occur in the near future.
Conservation measures and research required: This
taxon’s areas of occurrence in South Africa are all inside
protected areas, although the Ndumo subpopulation is
threatened by illegal bush clearance for subsistence farming.
Conservation workers need to be aware of the potential threat
of spraying with deltamethrin (to control tsetse fly). This is
unlikely to occur in the near future, but the entity promoting
this is likely to persevere. The Mozambican subpopulation is
under threat from tourist and subsistence agriculture
development. Developers planning to build in this area need
to be made aware of the butterfly and its importance to
conservation.
Iolaus nasisii (Riley, 1928)
Zimbabwe Yellow-banded Sapphire; Geellint Saffier
Mark C. Williams
LC
Type locality: Naisi [Nasisi] Hills, 20 miles N. of Munias
[Mumias], Kenya Colony, 4800 feet.
Taxonomy: There are indications that the southern
subpopulations of Iolaus nasisii may not be conspecific with
those of topotypical nasisii from Kenya (S. Sáfián, pers.
Mecenero et al. / Metamorphosis 31(4): 1–160
comm.). Taxonomic research is necessary to resolve this
issue.
92
Williams, M.C., Dobson, J.C.H., Bode, J.G. & Bode, Y.
2016. The occurrence and life history of Iolaus nasisii
(Riley, 1928) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in South Africa.
Metamorphosis 27: 3–5.
Genus Lepidochrysops Hedicke, 1923
Lepidochrysops bacchus Riley, 1938
Wineland Giant Cupid; Wynland Ratsbloutjie
Jonathan B. Ball
LC
Rare – Habitat Specific, Low Density
Endemic
Distribution: Found in Limpopo province in South Africa,
recorded from Musina and Buffelsberg near Munnik and
from the Kudu River Valley. Also found in Namibia,
Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya
and Uganda.
Habitat: Mesic to moist frost-free savanna. Most of the
habitat in South Africa is in rocky, hilly terrain.
Vegetation types: SVl8 Tzaneen Sour Bushveld.
Assessment rationale: This is a widespread species
occurring in nine sub-Saharan African countries (EOO is
greater than 100 000 km2) and there are no known threats.
The taxon thus qualifies globally under the IUCN criteria as
Least Concern.
Change in status from SABCA: Not previously assessed.
Threats: There are no known threats to the habitat.
Conservation measures and research required: No
conservations actions are required. Research into the size and
persistence of the South African population is needed.
Relevant literature:
Type locality: Tygerberg Hills, near Cape Town.
Taxonomy: There is some uncertainty about the taxonomic
status of subpopulations in the Bitterfontein-Garies area.
Some authorities (see Pringle et al., 1994) contend that they
are referable to Lepidochrysops bacchus while others regard
them as belonging to L. penningtoni. Further research
(including molecular genetics), is needed to clarify this.
Distribution: Endemic to the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape
and Western Cape provinces of South Africa, from Cape
Town in the south-west to Piketberg and Sutherland in the
north, and Middelton and Coega in the east.
Habitat: At the type locality the butterfly was found mainly
on a rocky, scrub-covered knoll on the side of a hill.
Generally found in fynbos but the Uitenhage population is in
Mecenero et al. / Metamorphosis 31(4): 1–160
Valley Bushveld. Known localities receive between 500 mm
and 750 mm of rainfall per annum.
Vegetation types: AT32 Fish Valley Thicket, AT44
Motherwell Karroid Thicket, AT51 Sundays Valley Thicket,
AZd3 Cape Seashore Vegetation, AZi6 Southern Karoo
Riviere, FFs1 Bokkeveld Sandstone Fynbos, FFs30 Western
Altimontane Sandstone Fynbos, FFs5 Winterhoek Sandstone
Fynbos, FFs6 Piketberg Sandstone Fynbos, FFs8 South Hex
Sandstone Fynbos, FRg2 Swartland Granite Renosterveld,
FRs6 Matjiesfontein Shale Renosterveld, FRs9 Swartland
Shale Renosterveld, SKk9 Kobee Succulent Shrubland,
SKt3 Roggeveld Karoo, SKv6 Koedoesberge-Moordenaars
Karoo, SKv7 Robertson Karoo.
Assessment rationale: A taxon endemic to the Western,
Northern and Eastern Cape provinces in South Africa but
with a large distribution (EOO 138 394 km2). Over most of
its range the taxon faces no threats. However, close to towns
some subpopulations have declined or become extinct over
the past 50 years. This localised decline is not likely to have
impacted on more than 10% of the population. This taxon is
rarely found in great numbers at any one site, but is found
over a large area. The taxon thus qualifies globally under the
IUCN criteria as Least Concern and is nationally classified
as Rare (Habitat Specialist and Low Density).
Change in status from SABCA: The status has not changed
from the previous assessment.
Threats: No perceived threats exist in most of the remote
colonies. In the Western Cape province habitat
fragmentation of Renosterveld due to housing, farming,
plantation forestry and invasive alien vegetation has caused
the demise or decline of a number of subpopulations. This
has been most noticeable over the past 15 years near
Malmesbury and Piketberg.
Conservation measures and research required: No
conservation actions recommended. Research is needed into
the taxonomy of the highly disjunct populations, life history,
ecology, population size, distribution and trends.
Lepidochrysops balli Dickson, 1985
Kammanassie Giant Cupid; Kammanassie Ratsbloutjie
Mark C. Williams
LC
Rare – Habitat specialist
Endemic
93
Type locality: Kammanassie Mountains (at approx. 4,900 ft.
above sea level).
Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.
Distribution: Endemic to the Western Cape and Eastern
Cape provinces in South Africa, restricted to the southern
slopes of the Kammanassie mountains near Uniondale and
the Aasvöelsberg near Willowmore.
Habitat: Rocky areas halfway up the southern slopes of the
Kammanassie mountain range at an altitude of about
1 300 m.
Vegetation types: FFb3 Central Inland Shale Band
Vegetation, FFq5 Grootrivier Quartzite Fynbos, FFs25
North Kammanassie Sandstone Fynbos, FFs26 South
Kammanassie Sandstone Fynbos.
Assessment rationale: An endemic species from the
Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces, South Africa
(EOO 810 km2). Considered to be a rare habitat specialist
because the larval host plant, and probably also the
associated ant, are restricted to high altitude, south-facing,
rocky areas on a specific mountain. There are no known
threats. The taxon thus qualifies globally under the IUCN
criteria as Least Concern and is nationally classified as Rare
(Habitat Specialist).
Change in status from SABCA: The status has not changed
from the previous assessment.
Threats: No known threats.
Conservation measures and research required: No
conservation actions recommended. Further research is
needed into the life history and ecology.
Lepidochrysops frederikeae Henning & Ball, 2013
Tankwa Giant Cupid; Nuuskierige Ratsbloutjie
Jonathan B. Ball
LC
Rare – Restricted Range
Endemic
Type locality: Kieskie Road, Calvinia District, Northern
Cape, 31°39.24ʹS, 19°56.78ʹE, 1246m.
Mecenero et al. / Metamorphosis 31(4): 1–160
Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.
94
Relevant literature:
Henning, G.A. & Ball, J.B. 2012. A new species
of Lepidochrysops Hedicke,
1923
(Lepidoptera:
Lycaenidae) from the Northern Cape, South Africa.
Metamorphosis 23: 1–7.
Lepidochrysops gydoae Dickson & Wykeham, 1994
Gydo Giant Cupid; Gydo Ratsbloutjie
Mark C. Williams
LC
Extremely Rare
Endemic
Distribution: Endemic to the Northern Cape province,
South Africa, 25 km south of Calvinia.
Habitat: The flattish, karroid habitat has sparse, low,
microphyllous shrubs, dominated by plants in the genera
Eriocephalus, Antimima, Pentzia, Pteronia and Salsola. The
flight period of this butterfly is decoupled from the
ephemeral, vernal flush of vegetation. The host plant
(flowering when this butterfly is 'on the wing') is found
growing within clumps of the plants mentioned above.
Vegetation types: SKt3 Roggeveld Karoo.
Assessment rationale: This endemic taxon has a very
restricted range (EOO <1 km2) in an arid area of the Northern
Cape province in South Africa, with very little
human/agricultural activity apart from sheep farming. The
taxon thus qualifies globally under the IUCN criteria as Least
Concern and is nationally classified as Rare (Restricted
Range).
Change in status from SABCA: Not previously assessed.
Threats: No known threats at present.
Conservation measures and research required: No
conservation measures currently needed. Research into its
life history, ecology, distribution and population size is
necessary.
Type locality: Western Cape province: Gydo Mountain.
Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.
Distribution: Endemic to the Western Cape province in
South Africa, from Gydo Mountain, Ceres District.
Habitat: Rocky mountain fynbos on the upper slopes of
Gydo Mountain.
Vegetation types: FFs5 Winterhoek Sandstone Fynbos.
Assessment rationale: A range-restricted endemic species
from the Western Cape province, South Africa (EOO
24 km2). Occurs only at a single site on the higher parts of
Gydo Mountain. There are no actual or perceived threats to
its habitat. The taxon thus qualifies globally under the IUCN
Mecenero et al. / Metamorphosis 31(4): 1–160
criteria as Least Concern and is nationally classified as
Extremely Rare.
Change in status from SABCA: The status has not changed
from the previous assessment.
Threats: No apparent threats.
Conservation measures and research required: No
conservation measures currently needed. Research into its
life history, ecology, distribution and population size is
necessary.
Lepidochrysops hypopolia (Trimen, 1887)
Geluksburg Giant Cupid; Verlore Ratsbloutjie
Kevin N.A. Cockburn
EX
Endemic
95
Assessment rationale: This endemic species is only known
from KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa, from records
in the 1870s, it has not been recollected since then despite a
number of searches. The taxon thus qualifies globally under
the IUCN criteria as Extinct.
Change in status from SABCA: The status has not changed
from the previous assessment.
Threats: Because the taxon is extinct there are no threats.
Conservation measures and research required: No
conservation actions recommended. Research needed into
the taxonomy of this species by obtaining DNA from
museum specimens.
Lepidochrysops irvingi (Swanepoel, 1948)
Sabie Giant Cupid; Brons Ratsbloutjie
Mark C. Williams
VU B1ab(iii)
Type locality: Potchefstroom District; Upper Districts [false
locality]; Blue Bank, near Drakensberg.
Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.
Distribution: This extinct endemic species used to occur
near Ladysmith in the KwaZulu-Natal province in South
Africa. There are also two doubtful records from near
Potchefstroom in the North West province that have not been
used in this assessment.
Habitat: Unknown but assumed to be grassland, based on
the localities given for the original specimens captured in the
1870s. Records from KwaZulu-Natal province could also be
from savanna areas west of Ladysmith, although vegetation
has changed since the specimens were collected in the 1870s.
Vegetation types: (Gs4 Northern KwaZulu-Natal Moist
Grassland).
Type locality: Nelshoogte, Barberton dist., Transvaal.
Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.
Distribution: From Mpumalanga province in South Africa,
and from Swaziland, along the Drakensberg escarpment
from Malolotja National Park in the south to near Ohrigstad
in the north.
Habitat: Montane, fire-prone grassland with a short sward.
Mecenero et al. / Metamorphosis 31(4): 1–160
96
Vegetation types: FOz4 Northern Mistbelt Forest, Gm16
KaNgwane Montane Grassland, Gm17 Barberton Montane
Grassland, Gm22 Northern Escarpment Dolomite Grassland,
Gm23 Northern Escarpment Quartzite Sourveld, Gm31
Long Tom Pass Montane Grassland, SVl9 Legogote Sour
Bushveld.
Assessment rationale: A species found in Mpumalanga
province in South Africa as well as in Swaziland (EOO
3 585 km2). Recently discovered subpopulations near
Ohrigstad, Barberton and in Swaziland, since the previous
assessment in 2012, have significantly increased both the
EOO and AOO. There are six subpopulations, two of which
are in protected areas. Together with a third subpopulation
near Ohrigstad, these three subpopulations are in relatively
pristine grassland habitat suitable for the species. Plantations
are absent here and unlikely to be planted because of the
rocky, mountainous terrain. The subpopulations at
Nelshoogte, Sabie and Graskop are experiencing ongoing
decline in habitat quality as a result of fire suppression for
Pine plantation management (the host plant requires fire) and
invasion by alien plants. The taxon thus qualifies globally
under the IUCN criteria as Vulnerable under criterion B.
Change in status from SABCA: Since the 2012 assessment
two new localities for this taxon have been found, near
Ohrigstad and near Barberton. Both are in unthreatened
habitats and the Barberton locality is situated in a protected
area. Very recently (October 2017), C. Dobson (J. Dobson,
pers. comm.) found a subpopulation near the type locality at
Nelshoogte. This new information has increased the
estimated EOO from 850 km2 in the 2012 assessment to
3 585 km2 in the current assessment. These new localities
would have existed during the 2012 assessment and thus six
locations would have been valid then too, placing it in the
Vulnerable category. The status change from Endangered to
Vulnerable is therefore a non-genuine change.
Threats: Moderate fragmentation of the habitat has been
caused by Pine and Blue-gum plantation development on the
escarpment. Alien vegetation, in the form of Black Wattle,
Bramble, Bug-weed and others, is causing further
modification of the habitat. The host plant, Ocimum
obovatum, is dependent on regular fire in order to thrive.
Fires in the grassland patches are deliberately suppressed
because of the danger to the plantations, leading to loss of
grassland biodiversity. However, the subpopulations in
Swaziland, near Barberton and near Ohrigstad are all under
no threat (M. Williams, pers. obs.).
Conservation measures and research required: A
management plan that protects and manages the Nelshoogte,
Sabie and Graskop subpopulations should be developed and
implemented. Research needed into its life history and
ecology/habitat requirements.
Lepidochrysops jamesi claassensi Dickson, [1982]
Calvinia Giant
Ratsbloutjie
Cupid;
Hantamsberg
Jeremy C.H. Dobson & Harald E.T. Selb
LC
Rare – Restricted Range, Habitat Specialist
Endemic
Karoobossie
Type locality: Western Cape province: Hantam's Berg,
Calvinia.
Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.
Distribution: Endemic to the Northern Cape province in
South Africa, restricted to the Hantamsberg north of
Calvinia, and to a small area north-east of Middelpos.
Habitat: Arid mountains and slopes, covered with thick
Renosterveld and Nama Karoo vegetation.
Vegetation types: FRd2 Hantam
Renosterveld, SKt3 Roggeveld Karoo.
Plateau
Dolerite
Assessment rationale: A range-restricted endemic taxon
found in the Northern Cape province, South Africa (EOO
191 km2). This is a very rare taxon, with a relatively small
extent of occurrence. However, it faces no threats at present.
The few known colonies are scattered, due to the taxon's
strict habitat requirements. The taxon thus qualifies globally
under the IUCN criteria as Least Concern and is nationally
classified as Rare (Restricted Range and Habitat Specialist).
Change in status from SABCA: The status has not changed
from the previous assessment.
Threats: The taxon is rare and localised but is not under any
significant threat at present.
Conservation measures and research required: No
conservation measures currently needed. Research into its
Mecenero et al. / Metamorphosis 31(4): 1–160
97
life history, ecology, distribution and population size is
necessary.
IUCN criteria as Least Concern and is nationally classified
as Rare (Habitat Specialist).
Lepidochrysops jamesi jamesi Swanepoel, 1971
Change in status from SABCA: The status has not changed
from the previous assessment.
Jeremy C.H. Dobson & Harald E.T. Selb
Threats: The taxon is rare and localized but is not under any
significant threat at present.
Sutherland Giant Cupid; Karoobossie Ratsbloutjie
LC
Rare – Habitat specialist
Endemic
Conservation measures and research required: No
conservation measures currently needed. Research into its
life history, ecology, distribution and population size is
necessary.
Lepidochrysops jefferyi (Swierstra, 1909)
Purple-brown Giant Cupid; Bruinpers Ratsbloutjie
Mark C. Williams
CR B1ab(iii)
Endemic
Type locality: Roggeveldberge (Sutherland district Cape
province).
Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.
Distribution: Endemic to the Northern Cape province in
South Africa, found only on the Roggeveld Escarpment near
Sutherland.
Habitat: Rocky, high-altitude slopes, covered with thick
Nama Karoo vegetation.
Vegetation types: FRs3 Roggeveld Shale Renosterveld,
SKt3 Roggeveld Karoo, SKv6 Koedoesberge-Moordenaars
Karoo.
Assessment rationale: This is a range-restricted endemic
taxon from the Northern Cape province, South Africa (EOO
1 159 km2). It is a habitat specialist and is found at 15 known
subpopulations in the Sutherland area. It faces no significant
threats at present. The taxon thus qualifies globally under the
Type locality: Ulundi, near Barberton.
Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.
Distribution: Endemic to Mpumalanga province in South
Africa, found only in the mountains north-east of Barberton.
Habitat: Restricted to rocky, hilly grassland (Barberton
Montane Grassland).
Vegetation types: Gm17 Barberton Montane Grassland.
Mecenero et al. / Metamorphosis 31(4): 1–160
98
Assessment rationale: An endemic species from
Mpumalanga province in South Africa (EOO 5 km2). There
is one location and the quality of the habitat is declining due
to mining activities, alien vegetation invasion and
inappropriate fire regimes. The taxon thus qualifies globally
under the IUCN criteria as Critically Endangered under
criterion B.
Change in status from SABCA: The 2012 assessment was
based on the information that there were two to five
locations. This is incorrect as there is only a single location
which continues to suffer from ongoing habitat degradation.
The previous assessment should have been Critically
Endangered too, thus the status change from Endangered to
Critically Endangered is non-genuine.
Threats: Notwithstanding the fact that the area of occupancy
of the butterfly has been registered as a private nature
reserve, there is ongoing legal and illegal mining in the
reserve and its surrounds. There has been a gradual spread of
alien vegetation, especially eucalypts and wattles, since the
late 1960s and no attempts have been made to control or
remove the aliens. Communal livestock, including cattle,
donkeys and goats from surrounding rural communities have
free access to the taxon's habitat. Increasing numbers of these
animals may have a negative impact on the habitat. Fire
regimes are also unregulated and members of the rural
communities can set fire to the habitats inappropriately in
attempts to induce growth of green grass for their livestock.
Conservation measures and research required: A
management plan that includes appropriate habitat
protection and management should be developed and
implemented as soon as possible. Research needed into its
life history and ecology/habitat requirements.
Lepidochrysops ketsi leucomacula Henning & Henning,
1994
White Spotted
Ratsbloutjie
Ketsi
Giant
Cupid;
Margate
Ketsi
Adrian J. Armstrong
EN A3bc; B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)
Endemic
Type locality: Margate, Natal, 24 Nov. 1983, G.A. Henning.
Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.
Distribution: Endemic to KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape
provinces in South Africa, only known to occur in the coastal
grasslands between Margate in KwaZulu-Natal province and
Port St Johns in Eastern Cape province to the south.
Habitat: Undulating coastal grasslands with scattered trees
and bushes and associated rocks on ancient geological
formations.
Vegetation types: CB3 KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Belt
Grassland, CB4 Pondoland-Ugu Sandstone Coastal
Sourveld, CB5 Transkei Coastal Belt.
Assessment rationale: This endemic range-restricted taxon
only occurs in the coastal grasslands of south-eastern
KwaZulu-Natal province and north-eastern Eastern Cape
province, South Africa. It has an estimated EOO of
1 153 km2 and an estimated AOO of 56 km2. It is threatened
by urban and rural development and overgrazing at most of
the unprotected localities where it occurs, as well as other
local threats at individual unprotected sites. Certain habitats
in Margate where it used to occur, including at the type
locality, have been destroyed by urban and agricultural
development, and local extinction has resulted at those sites.
The population is moderately fragmented. The locations
currently known to harbour the taxon are far apart,
precluding movement of adults between them. Three of the
five subpopulations are small and isolated and probably nonviable in the long term without conservation translocations,
whereas the remaining two are larger and potentially viable
in the long-term providing the threats to those
subpopulations can be mitigated. Using environmental and
the taxon’s AOO data for KwaZulu-Natal province, and
assuming similar results for the taxon’s EOO in the Eastern
Cape province, climate change is predicted to affect the
character of about 67% of the remaining habitat for the taxon
by making it change to or towards another biome type by
2050 (Jewitt et al., 2015b). The results of the conformalcubic atmospheric model (CCAM) that was down-scaled
using the outputs of two Coupled Global Climate Models
(CGCMs) (Jewitt et al., 2015b) as well as prior climatic
model results (Driver et al., 2011) indicate that most of the
grassland habitat of the taxon will become increasingly
wooded up with savanna trees or forest trees by the year 2050
if climate change cannot be sufficiently ameliorated. The
number of locations for the taxon as a result of climatechange-induced habitat shifting is therefore estimated to be
three. Under the CCAM down-scaled using outputs from the
GFDL2.1 CGCM, only the locations north of Umtamvuna
Nature Reserve and near Mpenjati Nature Reserve are not
Mecenero et al. / Metamorphosis 31(4): 1–160
99
predicted to be affected by climate-change-induced habitat
shifting, but these locations are subject to threats from
agriculture and/or alien plants. Under the CCAM downscaled using outputs from the HadCM2 CGCM, only the
locations at Margate and Umtamvuna Nature Reserve are not
predicted to be affected by climate-change-induced habitat
shifting, but the Margate location is subject to threats from
urbanisation, infrastructure development, alien plants,
dumping of refuse, and off-road vehicles. The taxon thus
qualifies globally under the IUCN criteria as Endangered
under criteria A and B.
Change in status from SABCA: The status has not changed
from the previous assessment.
Threats: Climate change, coupled with land transformation
and the resultant loss of habitat intactness, will pose a severe
threat to this taxon in the KwaZulu-Natal part of its EOO in
the future (Jewitt et al., 2015a). Although the extent of the
Indian Ocean Coastal Belt in the part of the taxon’s EOO in
the Eastern Cape province may increase under the best case
climate change scenario (Driver et al., 2012), this may result
in forest expanding, which would render the habitat
unsuitable for the taxon. Under the intermediate and worst
case scenarios, the Indian Ocean Coastal Belt climate
envelope shifts to a Savanna climate envelope (Driver et al.,
2012), thereby rendering much or all of the area unsuitable
as habitat. The taxon inhabits the Critically Endangered
Margate Pondoland-Ugu Sourveld and Southern Coastal
Grasslands ecosystems and the Endangered Oribi-Port
Edward Pondoland Ugu Sourveld ecosystem in KwaZuluNatal. However, the ecosystems that it inhabits in the Eastern
Cape province are not listed as threatened in the South
African ‘National List of Ecosystems that are Threatened
and in Need of Protection’ of 2011. This taxon has lost
colonies at Margate owing to urban development and
cultivation; elsewhere, habitat has been degraded or lost
through rural residential development, subsistence farming,
overgrazing by livestock, tourism development and fire
suppression as a result of urban development (Williams,
2013; A.J. Armstrong, pers. obs.). Off-road vehicle driving
in the habitat, dumping of refuse, spread of invasive alien
plants such as Lantana camara and timber trees, erection of
buildings and laying of water pipelines are further current
threats at one site on the outskirts of Margate (A.J.
Armstrong, pers. obs.). Potential future threats to the habitat
of this taxon include the rerouting of the N3 freeway and
mining in the Eastern Cape province, and movement of
pesticides and fertilizers into habitat with the intensification
of agriculture on its edges.
Conservation measures and research required:
Management and protection of remaining known habitat
outside currently protected areas is required. Legislation is
pending that would protect its habitat in areas currently not
protected. Ecotourism enterprises should be established in
areas that need protection as there needs to be an income
stream from the area as well as observer presence in the
areas. Research needed into its life history and
ecology/habitat requirements.
Lepidochrysops littoralis Swanepoel & Vári, 1983
Coastal Giant Cupid; Kus Ratsbloutjie
David A. Edge
EN B1ab(ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(ii,iii,iv,v)
Endemic
Type locality: Southern Cape province, Still Bay
(Riversdale District).
Taxonomy: Lepidochrysops littoralis is quite a variable
species with populations at the limits of its range showing
differences, e.g. Mossel Bay (Edge, 2005a). A phylogenetic
investigation is underway and may reveal some
taxonomically significant infraspecific variation.
Distribution: Endemic to the Western Cape province in
South Africa, occurring from the De Hoop Nature Reserve
near Bredasdorp in the west to a few kilometres west of
Mossel Bay in the east.
Habitat: Rocky limestone ridges or sand dunes in coastal
fynbos. Usually found quite close to the sea-shore, as at Still
Bay.
Vegetation types: AT40 Hartenbos Dune Thicket, FFl2 De
Hoop Limestone Fynbos, FFl3 Canca Limestone Fynbos,
FFs15 North Langeberg Sandstone Fynbos, FS7 Overberg
Dune Strandveld, FS8 Blombos Strandveld.
Assessment rationale: This taxon is endemic to the Western
Cape province, South Africa (EOO 2 488 km2, AOO
84 km2). Ten locations are known, separated by distances
between 10 and 35 km, often across land transformed by
agricultural activities, coastal developments, industrial
complexes, housing estates, plantations and alien
infestations. Even 10 km is probably beyond the dispersal
range of this taxon (2–5 km average) so all of these locations
represent isolated, closed subpopulations, some of which are
Mecenero et al. / Metamorphosis 31(4): 1–160
100
non-viable. The population is therefore severely fragmented.
At some of its locations there is continuing decline in the
AOO, extent and quality of the habitat, the number of
subpopulations, and the total number of individuals
supported by a smaller area of poorer quality habitat is less.
The taxon thus qualifies globally under the IUCN criteria as
Endangered under criterion B.
Change in status from SABCA: Severe fragmentation used
to categorise this species as Endangered now would have
been valid for the previous assessment, following new
information being used. Therefore it would have qualified
for Endangered previously too, instead of Near Threatened
which was based on the number of locations. Thus the
change in status is non-genuine.
Threats: Property and recreational developments (homes,
streets, roads, golf courses etc.) continue on the southern
Cape coast, particularly around Mossel Bay and Still Bay.
Alien vegetation, such as Port Jackson Willow (Acacia
saligna) and Rooikrans (A. cyclops), originally introduced to
"stabilise dunes" is drastically transforming natural habitat
along many parts of this coastline. Other threats are from
small scale agriculture and disruption of natural fire regimes
to protect human properties.
Conservation measures and research required: This
taxon should be included in environmental impact
assessments for all proposed new developments in the
coastal zone from De Hoop to Mossel Bay, and further loss
of habitat prevented. Further research into its life history and
ecology is needed.
Habitat: Afroalpine grassland, found in elevated areas
greater than 2 000 m above sea level.
Vegetation types: Gd8 Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland.
Assessment rationale: A Drakensberg endemic species
occurring in the Eastern Cape province in South Africa and
in Lesotho (EOO 3 674 km2). The mountainous area where
it occurs is largely inaccessible because of poor
infrastructure and is therefore poorly explored. Also, its
flight period is restricted, making it very difficult to detect.
It is currently known from six subpopulations and there are
likely to be many more. There is a slight threat of habitat
degradation to the subpopulations in Lesotho. The taxon thus
qualifies globally under the IUCN criteria as Least Concern.
Lepidochrysops loewensteini (Swanepoel, 1951)
Change in status from SABCA: The status has not changed
from the previous assessment.
Ernest L. Pringle
Threats: There are threats from extensive subsistence
farming and possible invasive plants.
Loewenstein's Giant Cupid; Bergpiek Ratsbloutjie
LC
Conservation measures and research required:
Appropriate management of known sites would be
beneficial. Research to look for additional sites would also
be useful. Research is needed into its life history and
ecology/habitat requirements.
Lepidochrysops lotana Swanepoel, 1962
Lotana Giant Cupid; Wolkberg Ratsbloutjie
Mark C. Williams
EN B1ab(iii)
Endemic
Type locality: Farm Rietvlei (Pietersburg Distr., Tvl.),
14.XI.1961. D.A. Swanepoel.
Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.
Type locality: Mokhotlong, Basutoland, 18th January, 1949
(D.A. Swanepoel).
Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.
Distribution: Occurs on the Drakensberg mountains in the
Eastern Cape province in South Africa as well as in Lesotho,
from Dulcie's Nek near Barkly East in the south to the Maluti
Mountains in Lesotho in the north.
Distribution: Endemic to Limpopo province in South
Africa, found at isolated localities at Ysterberg, Wolkberg
and Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve near Ofcolaco. Has not
been observed at the Ysterberg locality (the type locality) for
about 25 years.
Habitat: Rocky grassland with a short sward.
Vegetation types: Gm23 Northern Escarpment Quartzite
Sourveld, Gm26 Wolkberg Dolomite Grassland, Gm27
Strydpoort Summit Sourveld, SVcb25 Poung Dolomite
Mecenero et al. / Metamorphosis 31(4): 1–160
101
rural communities may set fires at inappropriate times to
promote growth of grass for these cattle.
Conservation measures and research required: A habitat
management plan needs to be drawn up and implemented.
Research is needed into its life history and ecology/habitat
requirements.
Lepidochrysops mcgregori Pennington, 1970
Hantam Giant Cupid; Koperbruin Ratsbloutjie
Jeremy C.H. Dobson & Harald E.T. Selb
LC
Rare – Habitat specialist
Endemic
Mountain Bushveld, SVl8 Tzaneen Sour Bushveld.
Assessment rationale: This is an endemic species from
Limpopo province, South Africa (EOO 446 km2). There are
three locations, one of which may possibly be lost and there
is continuing decline in the quality of the habitat due to
overgrazing by cattle, inappropriate fire regimes and road
construction. The taxon thus qualifies globally under the
IUCN criteria as Endangered under criterion B.
Change in status from SABCA: The status has not changed
from the previous assessment.
Threats: The taxon has not been seen at the type locality
(Ysterberg) for at least 25 years, probably because of
overgrazing of the habitat by cattle (J. Dobson, pers. comm.
and M. Williams, pers. obs.). The subpopulation at the type
locality is declining, and may even have been extirpated. The
subpopulation on the Downs in the Lekgalameetse Nature
Reserve is relatively large. The status of the third
subpopulation (Wolkberg) is unknown, as only a single
female has been captured. The road from Malipsdrift to the
Downs in Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve is currently being
tarred, and if connected to the tarred road from the east,
would run close to the subpopulation on the Downs, greatly
facilitating access by large numbers of people and potentially
having very deleterious effects on the subpopulation. There
are old avocado plantations near the habitats of the taxon on
the Downs, which appear to be maintained notwithstanding
that they are in a nature reserve. Nomadic cattle are present
and their numbers are not controlled. Members of nearby
Type locality: Glen Lyon [farm], near Nieuwoudtville,
2,200 ft.
Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.
Distribution: Endemic to the Northern Cape and Western
Cape provinces in South Africa, found from Nuwerus at the
north-east extent of its range to Kompromise in the southeast.
Habitat: Flat areas in the Karoo Renosterveld and Succulent
Karoo bioregions.
Vegetation types: FRd1 Nieuwoudtville-Roggeveld
Dolerite Renosterveld, FRs2 Nieuwoudtville Shale
Renosterveld, FRs3 Roggeveld Shale Renosterveld, SKn7
Mecenero et al. / Metamorphosis 31(4): 1–160
102
Southern Namaqualand Quartzite Klipkoppe Shrubland,
SKt3 Roggeveld Karoo.
Assessment rationale: An endemic from the Northern Cape
and Western Cape provinces, South Africa (EOO
4 421 km2). Although widespread, the taxon is rare and
localised as a result of its specific habitat requirements and it
occurs in scattered colonies, generally in low numbers. It
faces no significant threats at present. The taxon thus
qualifies globally under the IUCN criteria as Least Concern
and is nationally classified as Rare (Habitat Specialist).
Change in status from SABCA: The status has not changed
from the previous assessment.
Threats: This taxon lost habitat on the Bokkeveld
escarpment to wheat cultivation in the past but
transformation of this habitat is no longer taking place. There
are no immediate threats to this taxon. The subpopulation
from which the species was originally described is protected
in the Hantam National Botanical Garden.
Conservation measures and research required: No
conservation actions recommended. Research is required
into the life history, ecology and ant symbionts; and the
population size, distribution and trends need to be monitored.
Relevant literature:
Willis, C.K. & Williams, M.C. 2014. Oviposition behaviour
in MacGregor’s Blue (Lepidochrysops mcgregori)
(Lepidoptera:
Lycaenidae),
in
South
Africa.
Metamorphosis 25: 152–153.
Lepidochrysops methymna dicksoni Tite, 1964
Tygerberg Monkey Giant Cupid; Tygerberg Bobbejaan
Ratsbloutjie
Jonathan B. Ball
EX
Endemic
colonies are known.
Habitat: Renosterveld vegetation on the Tygerberg Hills
near Cape Town.
Vegetation types: (FRs9 Swartland Shale Renosterveld).
Assessment rationale: This endemic taxon from the
Western Cape province has not been seen for 50 years
despite extensive searching in the known localities. These
localities are close to longstanding areas of agricultural
activity, housing development and quarry activity.
Renosterveld is one of the most threatened vegetation types
in the Western Cape. Further searching is required. The
taxon thus qualifies globally under the IUCN criteria as
Extinct.
Change in status from SABCA: The status has not changed
from the previous assessment.
Threats: As the taxon is extinct, there are no threats.
Conservation measures and research required: No
conservation actions recommended as this taxon is extinct.
Its taxonomic status will be confirmed by obtaining a DNA
sample (a few legs) for sequencing.
Lepidochrysops oreas oreas Tite, 1964
Sky-blue Giant Cupid; Skiereiland Ratsbloutjie
Mark C. Williams
LC
Rare – Restricted Range
Endemic
Type locality: Cape province: Tygerberg Hills.
Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.
Distribution: An extinct taxon that was endemic to the
Western Cape province in South Africa, where it used to
occur on the Tygerberg Hills near Cape Town. No other
Mecenero et al. / Metamorphosis 31(4): 1–160
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Type locality: Simon's Town.
Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.
Distribution: Endemic to the Western Cape province in
South Africa, restricted to the Cape Peninsula.
Habitat: Rocky fynbos on the mountains of the Cape
Peninsula.
Vegetation types: FFd6 Hangklip Sand Fynbos, FFg3
Peninsula Granite Fynbos, FFs9 Peninsula Sandstone
Fynbos.
Assessment rationale: A range-restricted endemic from the
Western Cape province in South Africa (EOO 238 km2),
occurring only on the hills and mountains of the Cape
Peninsula. None of the subpopulations are under any real or
perceived threat. The taxon thus qualifies globally under the
IUCN criteria as Least Concern and is nationally classified
as Rare (Restricted Range).
Change in status from SABCA: The status has not changed
from the previous assessment.
Threats: There are no current threats.
Conservation measures and research required: No
conservation actions recommended. Research is required
into the life history, ecology and ant symbionts; and the
population size, distribution and trends need to be monitored.
Lepidochrysops outeniqua Swanepoel & Vári, 1983
Outeniqua Giant Cupid; Outenikwa Ratsbloutjie
Mark C. Williams
LC
Endemic
Habitat: Fynbos on the stony, upper northern slopes of the
Outeniqua mountains and on the upper, southern slopes of
the Kouga mountains.
Vegetation types: FFs19 South Outeniqua Sandstone
Fynbos, FFs20 Tsitsikamma Sandstone Fynbos, FFs27
Kouga Sandstone Fynbos, FFs28 Kouga Grassy Sandstone
Fynbos.
Assessment rationale: An endemic species from the
Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces, South Africa
(EOO 1 121 km2). The subpopulations are in inaccessible
terrain that is unsuitable for human activities. There are no
threats. The taxon thus qualifies globally under the IUCN
criteria as Least Concern.
Change in status from SABCA: The status has not changed
from the previous assessment.
Threats: There are no apparent threats.
Type locality: Outeniqua Mountains (Uniondale District)
Avontuur.
Conservation measures and research required: No
conservation actions recommended. Research is required
into the life history, ecology and ant symbionts; and the
population size, distribution and trends need to be monitored.
Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.
Lepidochrysops penningtoni Dickson, 1969
Distribution: Endemic to the Western Cape and Eastern
Cape provinces in South Africa, on the Outeniqua mountains
near Avontuur in the west and the Kouga mountains near
Uniondale in the east.
Golden Giant Cupid; Dorsland Ratsbloutjie
Jonathan B. Ball
DD
Endemic
Mecenero et al. / Metamorphosis 31(4): 1–160
104
genetics) research is about to be undertaken. The taxon thus
qualifies globally under the IUCN criteria as Data Deficient.
Change in status from SABCA: The status has not changed
from the previous assessment.
Threats: Overgrazing and extended droughts are threats.
True L. penningtoni is possibly extinct.
Conservation measures and research required:
Taxonomic research on true taxonomic status of nonSteinkopf populations needs to be undertaken. There is
possibly another undescribed taxon involved, which is
neither L. penningtoni or L. bacchus. If the taxon is
rediscovered research is required into the life history,
ecology and ant symbionts; and the population size,
distribution and trends need to be monitored.
Lepidochrysops pephredo (Trimen, 1889)
Estcourt Giant Cupid; Middelland Ratsbloutjie
Adrian J. Armstrong
VU B1ab(ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(ii,iii,iv,v)
Endemic
Type locality: (Little Namaqualand): Steinkopf.
Taxonomy: The taxonomy of this species needs to be
reviewed. This taxon has not been seen at the type locality
north of Steinkopf for over four decades. Several populations
have been found in the Kamieskroon/Garies areas, which
have been referred to as belonging to this taxon. This
probably is incorrect, using type specimens of
Lepidochrysops penningtoni for comparison. Molecular
genetic analysis will be undertaken to determine whether a
separate non-penningtoni and non-bacchus taxon is
involved.
Distribution: Endemic to the Northern Cape province in
South Africa, from just north of Steinkopf. There are
specimens from between Kotze's Rus and Kamieskroon that
some collectors feel may be part of this taxon, however,
molecular genetic analyses are required to determine if this
is the case.
Habitat: Flat to gently sloping, relatively dry areas with low
shrubs, including mesembryanthemums.
Vegetation types: SKn1 Namaqualand Klipkoppe
Shrubland, SKr17 Eenriet Plains Succulent Shrubland.
Assessment rationale: This taxon is endemic to the
Northern Cape province in South Africa and has an uncertain
range. It has not been seen near Steinkopf, where it was
originally collected, for nearly fifty years. The taxon author
has personally been to the type locality over twenty times
since 1976. During this interval, vernal flower abundance
has incrementally diminished by a remarkable degree. Some
Selago sp. were present in moderate abundance in 1976.
None have been seen for twenty years. This plant taxon may
or may not have been utilized by the larvae. Other
golden/dark Namaqualand Lepidochrysops populations may
not be L. penningtoni. Taxonomic (including molecular
Type locality: Upper Districts - Estcourt.
Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.
Distribution: Endemic to KwaZulu-Natal province in South
Africa, only occurring in part of the Midlands and
Drakensberg mountain foothills, from Mpophomeni near
Mecenero et al. / Metamorphosis 31(4): 1–160
105
Howick in the south-east to Rugged Glen Nature Reserve in
the north-west.
Habitat: Rocky, grassy hills and mountains, between
approximately 1 200 and 1 700 m altitude.
Vegetation types: Gd5 Northern Drakensberg Highland
Grassland, Gs8 Mooi River Highland Grassland, Gs9
Midlands Mistbelt Grassland.
Assessment rationale: This endemic range-restricted
species only occurs on rocky, grassy hills and mountains in
limited parts of the Midlands and Drakensberg foothills of
KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. It has an EOO of
2 364 km2 and an estimated AOO of 40 km2. The number of
locations with respect to local threats such as overgrazing is
estimated to be seven (if indeed local extinctions in the
south-east of the species range have occurred) or eight,
although overall habitat quality is not expected to recover to
a better state in the near future. This species is threatened
mainly by overgrazing in its habitat at certain of the
unprotected localities where it occurs, as well as other local
threats at individual unprotected sites. Certain habitat areas
where the species used to occur no longer support it.
Localities currently known to be occupied by the species are
far apart, with unsuitable habitat that constitute barriers to
movement for the species between the locations, indicating
that the population is moderately fragmented. Although
climate change may affect the species occurrence in the
foothills of the Drakensberg, the existence and persistence of
most of the grassland where it still occurs should not be
significantly impacted with respect to land use and climate
change over the next few decades. This taxon thus qualifies
globally under the IUCN criteria as Vulnerable under
criterion B.
Change in status from SABCA: The status has not changed
from the previous assessment.
Threats: Habitat and subpopulations have been lost over the
past century through overgrazing in particular, and some
habitat has been degraded by overgrazing, Eucalyptus
plantations, off-road vehicles and perhaps too frequent
burning. It has not been sighted during repeated searching
over the last two years at its most south-easterly situated
locality (A. Armstrong, pers. obs.).
Conservation measures and research required: This
taxon only occurs in a part of one protected area (Rugged
Glen section of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park). Thus
protection and management of its habitat outside protected
areas is essential, beginning with raising awareness of its
presence and Vulnerable status to landowners. Research is
needed into its life history and ecology/habitat requirements.
Lepidochrysops praeterita Swanepoel, 1962
Highveld Giant Cupid; Hoëveld Ratsbloutjie
Jeremy C.H. Dobson
EN B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)
Endemic
Type locality: New Doornfontein Mine (Potchefstroom
Distr., Tvl.), 17.IX.1961. W. Teare.
Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.
Distribution: Endemic to the Gauteng and North West
provinces, occurring from Potchefstroom in the west to
Sasolburg in the east, in the highveld region.
Habitat: This taxon is confined to grassy, rocky, typically
south-facing slopes, where its host plant (Ocimum
obovatum) and, presumably, its host ant occur. Most
localities are within an altitudinal band between 1 500 m and
1 750 m. Males frequently fly around solitary trees or other
features in the general vicinity of the colony. Lepidochrysops
praeterita is highly localised and appears to have a very
specific habitat niche. The life history is unrecorded.
Vegetation types: Gh15 Carletonville Dolomite Grassland,
Gm11 Rand Highveld Grassland, Gm8 Soweto Highveld
Grassland, SVcb10 Gauteng Shale Mountain Bushveld,
SVcb11 Andesite Mountain Bushveld.
Assessment rationale: This is a range-restricted endemic
species found in the Gauteng and North West provinces in
South Africa (EOO 1 336 km2, AOO 44 km2). There are
currently estimated to be four locations. The taxon inhabits
an area with dense human habitation and intensive land use.
Its range has shrunk significantly over the last 20 years, and
the number of specimens recorded during its flight period has
reduced alarmingly in recent years. The quality and extent of
habitat is declining at a fairly rapid rate, due to extended
residential construction and associated infrastructure,
agricultural development and overgrazing by nomadic herds
Mecenero et al. / Metamorphosis 31(4): 1–160
106
of cattle. The taxon thus qualifies globally under the IUCN
criteria as Endangered under criterion B.
Change in status from SABCA: The status has not changed
from the previous assessment.
Threats: Habitat degradation owing to a lack of burning
diminishes the quality and quantity of the larval food plant
and associated ant habitat. The recent droughts have
compounded the problem. The effects of airborne pollution
are an unquantifiable factor. Further threats include,
overgrazing by nomadic herds of cattle and the proposed
extension of residential development into the butterfly’s
habitat at Hillshaven.
Conservation measures and research required: The townplanners responsible for the proposed Hillshaven extension
into the adjacent colony need to be informed of the
implications and alternative plans made, if possible. The
habitat of many known subpopulations of this species are
close to residential areas. These areas are regularly burnt in
winter for public safety reasons. Regular grass-burning is
considered imperative for the wellbeing of this species, but
this needs to be monitored. Research is needed into its life
history and ecology/habitat requirements. Monitoring of all
known subpopulations is needed to detect trends in numbers
or habitat quality.
Lepidochrysops pringlei Dickson, [1982]
Hilltop Giant Cupid; Kleinblou Ratsbloutjie
Mark C. Williams
LC
Endemic
Assessment rationale: An endemic species from the
Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces in South Africa
(EOO 930 km2). Since the taxon was originally discovered
at the eastern end of the Swartberg mountains many new
subpopulations have been found along the entire length of
the Swartberg mountains, from Ladismith in the west to
Willowmore in the east. None of these subpopulations are
under any real or perceived threat. The taxon thus qualifies
globally under the IUCN criteria is assessed as Least
Concern.
Change in status from SABCA: The status has not changed
from the previous assessment.
Threats: No known threats.
Conservation measures and research required: No
conservation actions recommended.
Lepidochrysops procera (Trimen, 1893)
Potchefstroom Giant Cupid; Grasveld Ratsbloutjie
Jeremy C.H. Dobson & Chris M. Dobson
LC
Rare – Habitat specialist
Endemic
Type locality: South Western Cape province: Toverwater.
Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.
Distribution: Endemic to the Western Cape and Eastern
Cape provinces in South Africa, in the Swartberg mountains,
from Ladismith in the west to Willowmore in the east.
Habitat: Rocky ridges, in fynbos, on the upper slopes of the
Swartberg mountains.
Vegetation types: FFs23 North Swartberg Sandstone
Fynbos, FFs24 South Swartberg Sandstone Fynbos, FFs31
Swartberg Altimontane Sandstone Fynbos.
Type locality: Estcourt, Natal (J.M. Hutchinson);
Potchefstroom District, Transvaal (T. Ayres).
Taxonomy: Historical records from north of the
Magaliesberg; Wonderboom and Nylsvley for example, are
believed to represent Lepidochrysops vansoni and have been
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107
Lepidochrysops quickelbergei Swanepoel, 1969
Pale Giant Cupid; Bleekblou Ratsbloutjie
Mark C. Williams
LC
Extremely Rare
Endemic
removed from the distribution data related to this species. It
is recommended that DNA comparisons are undertaken
between samples of the four disjunct populations of this
butterfly
(southern
Highveld
grassland;
eastern
Mpumalanga; southern KZN and KZN Midlands).
Distribution: Endemic to the Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal,
Mpumalanga and North West provinces in South Africa,
from Kokstad in the south to Komatipoort in the north-east
and Potchefstroom in the west.
Habitat: Rocky areas in grassland (and grassy areas in
savanna), where its larval host plant, Ocimum obovatum,
occurs. The early stages are unrecorded, but the presence of
the host ant (probably a Camponotus species) will be an
additional requisite.
Vegetation types: Gm8 Soweto Highveld Grassland, Gs12
East Griqualand Grassland, SVcb10 Gauteng Shale
Mountain Bushveld, SVcb11 Andesite Mountain Bushveld,
SVl14 Swaziland Sour Bushveld, SVs2 Thukela Thornveld.
Assessment rationale: A taxon endemic to a large area in
South Africa (EOO 93 799 km2). However, it occupies a very
small portion of this area. The taxon is a rare habitat
specialist with relatively few known locations, several of
which are under some degree of threat. The taxon thus
qualifies globally under the IUCN criteria as Least Concern
and is nationally classified as Rare (Habitat Specialist).
Change in status from SABCA: The status has not changed
from the previous assessment.
Threats: The southern Gauteng/Highveld habitat of this
species is threatened by residential developments and
overgrazing by cattle. Elsewhere the taxon appears to thrive
in grassland subjected to annual winter fires. Fire
suppression, or fires during the butterfly’s flight period of
late September/October may be threats. The influence of
drought is unknown, but observations from the southern
Gauteng localities during the drought of the last three years
appear to indicate that numbers have declined dramatically.
Conservation measures and research required: No
conservation actions are recommended at this stage.
Research into the taxonomy of the disjunct subpopulations
and the life history and ecology/habitat requirements is
needed.
Type locality: Gydo mountain (Ceres distr., Cape province).
Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.
Distribution: Endemic to the Western Cape province in
South Africa, from Gydo Mountain.
Habitat: Fynbos in rocky areas on north-facing slopes of
Gydo Mountain, at altitudes above 1 500 m.
Vegetation types: FFs5 Winterhoek Sandstone Fynbos.
Assessment rationale: A range-restricted endemic species
from the Gydo Mountain in the Western Cape province,
South Africa (EOO 16 km2). The taxon occurs at only one
small site but there are no real perceived threats to the
population. The taxon thus qualifies globally under the
IUCN criteria as Least Concern and is nationally classified
as Extremely Rare.
Change in status from SABCA: The status has not changed
from the previous assessment.
Mecenero et al. / Metamorphosis 31(4): 1–160
108
Threats: No threats known. The habitat is located high up
on Gydo Mountain.
regimes. The taxon thus qualifies globally under the IUCN
criteria as Critically Endangered under criterion B.
Conservation measures and research required: No
conservation actions recommended. Research is required
into the life history, ecology and ant symbionts; and the
population size, distribution and trends need to be monitored.
Change in status from SABCA: The 2012 assessment was
based on the information that there were two locations. This
is incorrect as there is only a single location which continues
to suffer from ongoing habitat degradation. The first
assessment should therefore have been Critically
Endangered and thus the status change from Endangered to
Critically Endangered is non-genuine.
Lepidochrysops swanepoeli (Pennington, 1948)
Barberton Giant Cupid; Witband Ratsbloutjie
Mark C. Williams
CR B1ab(iii)
Endemic
Threats: Notwithstanding the fact that the area of occupancy
of the butterfly has been registered as a private nature
reserve, there is ongoing legal and illegal mining in the
reserve and its surrounds. There has been a gradual spread of
alien vegetation, especially eucalypts and wattles, since the
late 1960s and no attempts have been made to control or
remove the aliens. Communal livestock, including cattle,
donkeys and goats from surrounding rural communities have
free access to the taxon's habitat. Increasing numbers of these
animals may have a negative impact on the habitat. Fire
regimes are also unregulated and members of the rural
communities can set fire to the habitats inappropriately in
attempts to induce growth of green grass for their livestock.
Conservation measures and research required: A
management plan that includes appropriate habitat
protection and management should be developed and
implemented as soon as possible. Research is needed into its
life history and ecology/habitat requirements.
Lepidochrysops victori Pringle, 1984
Bedford Giant Cupid; Grasheuwel Ratsbloutjie
Ernest L. Pringle
VU D2
Endemic
Type locality: Sheba Mine, Barberton District, Transvaal.
Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.
Distribution: Endemic to Mpumalanga province in South
Africa, on the hills to the north-east of Barberton.
Habitat: Restricted to rocky, hilly grassland (Barberton
Montane Grassland).
Type locality: ‘Huntly Glen’, Bedford, South Africa.
Vegetation types: Gm17 Barberton Montane Grassland.
Distribution: Endemic to the Eastern Cape province in
South Africa, confined to four adjacent farms in the Bedford
and Adelaide districts.
Assessment rationale: An endemic species from
Mpumalanga province in South Africa (EOO 10 km2). There
is one location. The quality of the habitat is declining due to
mining activities, grazing by livestock, and inappropriate fire
Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.
Habitat: Montane grassland, on the slopes of the foothills of
the Great Winterberg mountains.
Mecenero et al. / Metamorphosis 31(4): 1–160
Vegetation types: Gd1 Amathole Montane Grassland.
Assessment rationale: This is a range-restricted endemic
species from the Eastern Cape province in South Africa
(EOO 21 km2). There are four locations all under potential
future threat from agricultural development and fire, which
would severely impact the population. The taxon thus
qualifies globally under the IUCN criteria as Vulnerable
under D.
Change in status from SABCA: The status has not changed
from the previous assessment.
Threats: As it is on private land, future crop cultivation and
incorrect fire management are potential threats.
Conservation measures and research required: All
known subpopulations occur on the farms Many Waters,
Damon’s Kloof and Huntly Glen. Because of the restricted
range of this taxon, the subpopulation sizes should be
monitored carefully to prevent them from deteriorating.
Research is needed into its life history and ecology/habitat
requirements.
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