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Project Noah Nature School
Jalmenus evagoras
Several butterflies were seen within a 50m radius next to a shallow lake. 'Nests' were found on a young Acacia mearnsii. Pic 2 shows beautifully structured eggs, Pic 6 a 'nest' with pupae, eggs, ants in a silk-framed node. Pic 3 shows caterpillars covered by ants with a green horned treehopper (more nectar) Pic 4 shows a cluster of pupae.
In a local nature reserve with a mix of dry sclerophyll woodland and shallow reedy lakes. Gilmour.
"Jalmenus evagoras exhibit an unusual mating system reflecting its close relationship with Iridomyrmex workers, commonly associating with both Iridomyrmex anceps and Iridomyrmex vincinus. While butterfly larvae and pupae secrete food for the worker ants, the ants in return protect the organism from parasites and predators such as wasps, other ants, reduviids, and spiders." - wiki
I get the impression that even the European wasp cannot get through these defenses.
family: LYCAENIDAE
subfamily: THECLINAE
tribe: Zesiusini
http://bie.ala.org.au/species/urn:lsid:b...
http://www.learnaboutbutterflies.com/Aus...
Spotted on Feb 18, 2015
Submitted on Feb 18, 2015
14 Comments
thanks guys
You are an eloquent story teller for an Aussie, Mark. LOL!
Updated to full life cycle.
Like a hole in the head Sergio.... Australia might grow up one day. Thanks James.
Another imperial beauty. You aussies really miss the royals, don't you?
Love shot #2
Thanks Karen, armadeus, Antonio. It's a good day when you see them flitting all around and one seems to land just for you.
Gorgeous spot Mark!
Aaah...the beauty of mother nature right there. Awesome pics Mark. Thank you for sharing :)
Gorgeous capture Mark,beautiful,congrats and thanks for sharing
Thanks James and Marta. I agree; someone had good reason to call it 'Imperial'
Very nice, Mark!
Oh my GOD Mark what an amazing shot. I have never seen these species before
Hey Mark...we have hairstreaks in Nevada USA, but none like this. Good Shot!