About Phasis thero (Linnaeus, 1764)
Phasis thero, commonly known as the silver arrowhead or hooked copper, is a butterfly species belonging to the family Lycaenidae. This species is found in South Africa. Males of Phasis thero have a wingspan ranging from 31 to 46 mm, while females have a wingspan ranging from 38 to 47 mm. Adults of the nominal subspecies P. t. thero have two generations per year, and are active from September to November, and again from March to May. Adults of the subspecies P. t. cedarbergae are on wing from October to November, and are thought to also have an additional autumn flight period. The larvae of Phasis thero feed on Rhus undulata and Melianthus major. These larvae have been observed both inside the hollow stems of their food plants, and inside the nests of Crematogaster peringueyi ants located at the base of these stems.
