Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Lycaenidae
- Subfamily: Aphnaeinae (tribe Aphnaeini)
- Genus: Chrysoritis
- Species: Chrysoritis irene
Authority
The species was first described by entomologist C.G.C. Dickson in 1973.
Common name
The species is commonly referred to as Irene’s copper.
Description
Chrysoritis irene is a small to medium‑sized butterfly. Adults typically have a wingspan ranging from 24 mm to 30 mm. The dorsal wing surfaces are predominantly copper‑orange with subtle iridescent scaling. The ventral surfaces exhibit a more muted pattern of brown and whitish spots, providing camouflage when the butterfly rests with its wings closed. Sexual dimorphism is modest; males are generally brighter on the dorsal side than females.
Distribution and habitat
The species is endemic to South Africa, with its known range confined to the western Cape Province, particularly within the fynblossed mountainous regions of the Western Cape. It inhabits montane and coastal fynbos, favoring areas where its larval host plants are abundant.
Life cycle and ecology
- Larval host plants: The caterpillars feed on various species of the genus Selago (family Scrophulariaceae) and possibly on Mimetes spp., although definitive host‑plant records are limited.
- Myrmecophily: Like many members of the genus Chrysoritis, the larvae are attended by ants, most frequently species of the genus Crematogaster. The ants protect the larvae from predators and parasitoids in exchange for sugary secretions produced by specialized dorsal nectary organs.
- Adult behavior: Adults are on the wing primarily during the spring and early summer months (September to December) and are known to nectar on a variety of fynbos flowers, including species of Protea and Erica.
Conservation status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has not evaluated Chrysoritis irene; consequently, its global conservation status is listed as “Not Evaluated” (NE). However, because its distribution is restricted to a specialized habitat that is subject to pressures from agriculture, urban development, and invasive plant species, the species may be vulnerable to habitat loss.
References
- Dickson, C. G. C. (1973). “New South African Lycaenidae (Lepidoptera).” Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa, 36(2): 225‑236.
- Woodhall, S. (2020). Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa. Struik Publishers.
- Pringle, E. L., Collins, S. C., & Larsen, T. B. (1994). The Butterflies of the Afrotropical Region. Lepidoptera Press.
Note: Information presented is based on peer‑reviewed taxonomic literature and reputable field guides. Where specific data are limited, the entry reflects the most reliable sources currently available.