Alaena lamborni is a species of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as gossamer-winged butterflies. It is found in Central Africa.
Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Family: Lycaenidae (Gossamer-winged butterflies)
- Subfamily: Poritiinae
- Genus: ''[[Alaena]]''
- Species: ''A. lamborni''
The species was first described by [[Per Olof Christopher Aurivillius]] in 1913.
Description
Like other members of the genus ''Alaena'', ''A. lamborni'' typically exhibits a characteristic delicate build with relatively small wings, often featuring shades of orange, brown, or white, sometimes with darker markings. Specific patterns and coloration can vary between subspecies and individuals. The butterflies of the genus ''Alaena'' are known for their rapid and erratic flight patterns.Distribution and Habitat
''Alaena lamborni'' is distributed across several countries in Central Africa. Its known range includes:- [[Democratic Republic of Congo]]
- [[Tanzania]]
- [[Zambia]]
It typically inhabits forest environments, particularly preferring wet forests and marshy areas within these regions.
Subspecies
Two subspecies of ''Alaena lamborni'' are generally recognized:- ''Alaena lamborni lamborni'' (Aurivillius, 1913) - The nominate subspecies.
- ''Alaena lamborni collinsi'' (Kielland, 1990) - This subspecies was described later.
Etymology
The specific epithet "lamborni" likely honors [[William Francis Lamborn]], a notable British entomologist and medical doctor who collected extensively in Africa during the early 20th century, and whose specimens contributed significantly to the understanding of African entomology.See also
- [[List of butterflies of Africa]]
- [[Lycaenidae]]
[[Category:Lycaenidae]] [[Category:Butterflies of Africa]] [[Category:Butterflies described in 1913]] [[Category:Taxa named by Aurivillius]]