September 20, 2025Open Access

Life history and conservation status of Alaena margaritacea Eltringham, 1929 (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Poritiinae)

Key Points

Alaena margaritacea was previously listed as critically endangered, and new findings highlight its limited geographic range.
Two localities for Alaena margaritacea were confirmed, providing critical information for its conservation efforts.
Field observations and captive rearing of larvae allowed for detailed insight into the species' life history.
Conservation status indicates an urgent need for protective measures to ensure the survival of Alaena margaritacea.

Abstract

Alaena margaritacea Eltringham, 1929 was listed as Critically Endangered by Mecenero et al. (2013) because it only had one known locality. A second locality was discovered in January 2013, approximately 12 km south of Haenertsburg. The two extant localities are described and compared. The life history is described from field observations as well as captive rearing of larvae. Notes on the behaviour of the adults and preimaginal stages are provided, and the conservation status is reviewed.

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Cite This Study

André J. Coetzer (Mon,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/68d469c831b076d99fa666f9 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.4314/met.v26i1.8