Hypochrysops apelles

(Copper Jewel)

Description

Larvae feed on a variety of plants particularly Terminalia spp. Some of the other host species found on campus are Acacia flavescens, Alphitonia excelsa, Eucalyptus drepanophylla, Petalostigma pubescens and Planchonia careya. Larvae are attended by species of Crematogaster. Mature larvae green to yellowish green darker green, some markings usually present and some yellow and reddish bands, hairs present; head black. Adults bright orange to orange-red, outer margins and veins on all wings black or dark brown; lower surface grey brown, an orange patch on fore wing, irregular markings green, black and red often bordered with white also present on wings.