About Aloeides damarensis (Trimen, 1891)
Aloeides damarensis is a butterfly species that inhabits grassy areas with bare patches, ranging from coastal KwaZulu-Natal grassy fynbos to the Drakensberg, extending north into Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces. Males of this species have a wingspan of 25–32 mm, while females have a wingspan of 28–36 mm. In the southern portion of this species' range, adults are active from September to April; they are active year-round in the northern part of the range. Males of the genus Aloeides exhibit territorial behavior, claiming specific areas on road verges and unsurfaced roads where they can encounter females and mate. A. damarensis has variable coloration and patterning, with specimens ranging from medium to light orange and having reduced black markings on the wing upperside. Females lay blue eggs at the base of Waltheria indica. This plant acts as both an egg-laying site and a nectar source for adult A. damarensis. The larvae of A. damarensis feed on species in the genus Aspalathus. Larvae are tended by ants of the genus Pheidole, which build colonies at the base of the larval host plant.
