Introduction
The genus Stugeta comprises of 7 species, all Afrotropical in distribution.
The butterflies are closely related to the Iolaus Sapphires, but they have marbled undersides as opposed to the “hairstreak” markings found on the undersides of Iolaus. In both genera the upper surface of the wings of all species is metallic blue, with a black apex. In a few species, including Stugeta bowkeri, there are small squarish white spots in the apical area. Males of all Stugeta and Iolaus have a large oval patch of dark androconial ( pheromone emitting ) scales in the discal cell of the upperside hindwing.
Stugeta bowkeri is an East African species, found from Ethiopia and Somalia to South Africa.
Habitats
This species inhabits savannah and Acacia thorn scrub habitats.
Lifecycle
The larval foodplants are Loranthus and Talinanthus ( Loranthaceae ), and Ximenia ( Olacaceae ).
Adult behaviour
The adults are very sedentary in behaviour, spending long periods at rest, in a head-downwards posture, on the twigs and branches of Acacia trees.