African Line Blue

Scientific Name
Pseudonacaduba sichela
WALLENGREN, 1857
Specie in
Family
Pseudonacaduba sichela, Bobiri, Ghana - Peter Bygate
Pseudonacaduba sichela, Bobiri, Ghana – Peter Bygate

Introduction

The genus Pseudonacaduba comprises of only two species, aethiops and sichela, both of which are entirely Afrotropical in distribution.

Both species have similar patterns on their undersides although aethiops is darker. Males of sichela are deep blue on the upperside, with dark borders. Females are dark earthy brown, except for the basal areas of the forewings which are pale violet-blue. By comparison aethiops has a much darker ground colour, and is devoid of any trace of blue in either sex. Neither species possess tails.

Euchrysops malathana is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, including Madagascar.

Habitats

This is primarily a savannah species but also occurs in forests and oil palm plantations.

Lifecycle

The larvae feed on Mundulea and probably on other Fabaceae.

Adult behaviour

Males commonly imbibe moisture from damp ground, often aggregating in large numbers. Female are normally only seen when nectaring at Acacia flowers.

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Butterfly of
Scientific Name
Pseudonacaduba sichela
by
WALLENGREN, 1857
Family
SubFamily
POLYOMMATINAE
Tribe
POLYOMMATINI
SubTribe
N/A

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