Macken’s Dusky Dart

Scientific Name
Acleros mackenii
TRIMEN, 1868
Specie in
Family
Macken’s Dusky Dart
Acleros mackenii olaus, Likpe Hills, Ghana / Togo border – Adrian Hoskins

Introduction

The genus Acleros comprises of about 12 species, of which 9-11 are found in mainland Africa. The remaining species – leucopyga, is endemic to Madagascar.

Acleros mackenii is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa and on Madagascar – however the status of its alleged subspecies is uncertain. It may turn out to be the case that “mackenii” should be split into 2 or 3 distinct species.

Habitats

The butterfly is found mainly along tracks and roads through degraded forest, and is commonest in lush damp areas. It also occurs in lower numbers in riparian forest (strips of forest growing along riverbanks in savannah-dominated areas).

Lifecycle

The larval foodplants are listed as Rhus (Anacardiaceae) and Acridocarpus (Malpighiaceae).

Adult behaviour

This tiny species is usually seen in two’s and three’s, but sometimes it can be found in much larger numbers. Both sexes commonly visit the flowers of herbaceous plants for nectar. Males also visit bird droppings.

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Butterfly of
Scientific Name
Acleros mackenii
by
TRIMEN, 1868
Family
SubFamily
HESPERIINAE
Tribe
incertae sedis
SubTribe
N/A

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