McGregor’s Blue
Lepidochrysops mcgregori
Points
10
per confirmed sighting
McGregor’s Blue.
Lepidochrysops mcgregori
Category
butterflies moths
Family
Lycaenidae
Size
Regional field-guide measurements place males at about 28–32 mm and females at about 30–33 mm wingspan.
Points
10 pts
A closer look
Field notes for spotting, identifying and understanding mcgregor’s blue in its natural range.
Overview
How to identify it
Habitat
Flat areas of Karoo Renosterveld and Succulent Karoo in the Northern Cape, where colonies are localised and habitat-specific.
Diet
Oviposition has repeatedly been observed on or near flowers of Pharnaceum aurantium (Molluginaceae), making it the best-supported larval host currently reported for this species; the ant association remains unknown.
Behaviour
When to look
Adults are chiefly recorded from late August to early October, with one generation per year.
Where to see it
South AfricaSafety and etiquette
Observe from a safe distance and never handle or feed wildlife.
Verification and sources
1500 verified species across ten Southern African countries. Spotted an error? Tell us through community guidelines.