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Walking or driving almost anywhere in Mountainlands during summertime
one is enthralled by moving colour flashes everywhere. Butterflies
abound and taking a closer look reveals a staggering variety. While
Mountainlands is also home to a vast number of insects and arachnids, of
particular interest are the butterflies of which there are three endemic
red data species that are known to occur on the reserve. Due to the
rugged terrain, inaccessibility of many areas and relative little
research that has been done, it is likely that even more butterflies may
yet be discovered.
The three endemic butterflies are: Aloeides barbarae,
Lepidochrysops swanepoeli and Lepidochrysops jefferyi. Their
habitats are referred to as “hotspots”, which are very specific in their
definition and is a term used globally for areas with high levels of
endemism that also face exceptional threats of extinction. Therefore the
protection of their habitats, which in some instances are no larger than
a soccer field, is of paramount importance.
The Lepidopterist’s Society of Africa (Gauteng branch) conducts field
trips in the reserve to gather information related to the life cycle,
abundance, diversity and distribution of Lepidoptera within the reserve.
Specific attention is paid to the red-data species and to record
observations regarding habitat and potential threats. On a recent field
trip they made the following observations:
a) Aloeides barbarae: The butterfly was relatively abundant and
was found over an area extending about 1km east from the type locality,
‘The Pimple’ at 1130m. The butterfly is possibly less endangered than
previously thought, although continuous monitoring is necessary. A
female was observed ovipositing on grass, which may mean the larvae of
this species do not feed on plants and are entirely ant-dependent.
Further research is required. We saw a female inspecting a small plant
with hairy, pointed leaves – she was antennating and had her abdomen
curved as if wanting to oviposit but she did not lay an egg. A
photograph, by Keith Roos, was shown at the International
Lepidopterist’s Conference at Potchefstoom last weekend: the female was
sitting on the same plant. It is possible that this is the foodplant (we
will try and identify the plant species from the photograph).
b) Lepidochrysops jefferyi and L. swanepoeli:
Lepidochrysops jefferyi were found in reasonable numbers (this
butterfly is seldom common). L. swanepoeli were scarce: we were probably
between emergences. These species are single-brooded but their emergence
is prolonged and peak emergence for the two species may not overlap i.e.
swanepoeli was not at its peak, or it had already passed its peak. 1155m
and 1130m.
c) Orachysops lacrimosa (?): A few specimens of Orachrysops
were caught, which have provisionally been listed as O. lacrimosa
(Locality 1150m). The specimens appear to show differences to lacrimosa
however – Graham Henning is to perform a genitalia study shortly, as
this may represent a new species.
d) Other species: A total of 68 butterfly species were positively
identified during our visit (refer to the detailed list included with
this document). Download the list here …Habitat: The general
condition of the grassland areas is excellent: wild flowers, notably
Becium grandiflorum (the larval food plant of many Lepidochysops
species) abounded. No indications of overgrazing or misuse of the
reserve were apparent.
Information and photographs, all taken on Mountainlands, supplied by
the Lepidopterist’s Society of Africa – Gauteng Branch
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