Lycaenidae Research Articles

Oh, the places you will grow: Intraspecific latitudinal clines in butterfly size suggest a phylogenetic signal

Within an animal species, the body sizes of individuals at higher latitudes are often different from individuals at lower latitudes. For homeothermic species that maintain a relatively constant body temperature, such as mammals and birds, individuals at higher latitudes tend to be larger. For ectothermic species, such as insects, that do not retain their own body heat and which often do not maintain a relatively constant body temperature, patterns of body size with latitude are highly variable. This has led some authors to contend that patterns in even closely related species cannot be expected to be similar. Indeed, to our knowledge, no studies of invertebrates have found that more closely related species have more similar relationships between body size and latitude. Further, no studies have investigated the potential influence of diet quality on interspecific differences in these clines. We measured wing lengths of specimens (N = 1753) in eight lycaenid butterfly species and one species of the sister family, Riodinidae to determine if more closely related species have similar latitudinal trends. We also estimated the mean nitrogen content of caterpillars’ hosts to investigate whether this often‐limiting nutrient influences the strength and direction of latitudinal clines in body size. We found that four species are significantly smaller at higher latitudes, an additional species is marginally smaller at higher latitudes (p < .06), and four species had no significant relationship with latitude. We also found a strong phylogenetic signal for latitudinal clines in body size among our species, which indicates that some closely related species may have similar clines. However, the strength and direction of these clines did not depend on the estimated nitrogen content of caterpillars’ hosts. Our results indicate that mean nitrogen content of hosts may not be an important driver in latitudinal clines but that phylogenetic relationships among species should be accounted for when exploring other potential drivers of body‐size clines in invertebrate species.

Ingestional Toxicity of Radiation-Dependent Metabolites of the Host Plant for the Pale Grass Blue Butterfly: A Mechanism of Field Effects of Radioactive Pollution in Fukushima.

Biological effects of the Fukushima nuclear accident have been reported in various organisms, including the pale grass blue butterfly Zizeeria maha and its host plant Oxalis corniculata. This plant upregulates various secondary metabolites in response to low-dose radiation exposure, which may contribute to the high mortality and abnormality rates of the butterfly in Fukushima. However, this field effect hypothesis has not been experimentally tested. Here, using an artificial diet for larvae, we examined the ingestional toxicity of three radiation-dependent plant metabolites annotated in a previous metabolomic study: lauric acid (a saturated fatty acid), alfuzosin (an adrenergic receptor antagonist), and ikarugamycin (an antibiotic likely from endophytic bacteria). Ingestion of lauric acid or alfuzosin caused a significant decrease in the pupation, eclosion (survival), and normality rates, indicating toxicity of these compounds. Lauric acid made the egg-larval days significantly longer, indicating larval growth retardation. In contrast, ikarugamycin caused a significant increase in the pupation and eclosion rates, probably due to the protection of the diet from fungi and bacteria. These results suggest that at least some of the radiation-dependent plant metabolites, such as lauric acid, contribute to the deleterious effects of radioactive pollution on the butterfly in Fukushima, providing experimental evidence for the field effect hypothesis.

Black and Blue Butterflies: The Transformative Journeys of Mothers Who Lost a Child to Suicide

The purpose of this study is to understand the experience of mothers who lost a child to suicide, and how they have learned to cope with their devastating loss. The study is grounded in transformative learning (TL) theory; the study design combined narrative inquiry and the first author’s autoethnographic experience. Data collection consisted of two sets of semi-structured interviews with each of the participants, and narrative analysis combined with thematic analysis revealed five interrelated themes regarding how the mothers learned to cope and move forward after their loss: experiencing distress, trying to make sense, making use of meaningful sources of comfort, taking action, and deepening reflection through metaphor and autoethnographic sharing. A concluding discussion offers implications for TL theory around extremely emotional events and the changing circumstances brought on by suicide loss.

Safety and efficacy of the novel surgical dye from blue butterfly pea flower: an ex vivo and in vitro study

Safety and efficacy of the novel surgical dye from blue butterfly pea flower: an ex vivo and in vitro study

Pengaruh Penambahan Ekstrak Bunga Telang (Clitoria ternatea Linn) Terhadap Karakteristik Marshmallow

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; This research was aimed to determine the effect of addition of blue butterfly pea extract on the characteristics of marshmallow and to determine the concentration of blue butterfly pea extract that produced the best characteristics of marshmallow. This research used completely randomized design with concentration of blue butterfly pea extract as treatments, which consisted of five levels: 0%, 0.3%, 0.6%, 0.9%, and 1.2%. The observed parameters include the physical, chemical, and sensory properties. The result showed that the five concentrations of blue butterfly pea extract had a significant effect on texture, color intensity, water content, anthocyanins, antioxidant activity, color (scoring and hedonic), flavor, texture, aroma, overall acceptance (hedonic) of the product. Selected product was marshmallow with the addition of 1.2% blue butterfly pea extract. The product has texture parameters of 1.28 N, color intensity L 16.71, a* 11.68, b* 7.62, 1.36% water, 1.48 mg/100 g anthocyanin, 43.50% antioxidant activity, blue color and liked, aroma, taste and overall acceptance were liked.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Intersexual Differences in Behaviour and Resource Use of Specialist Phengaris teleius Butterflies.

Simple SummaryIn this study, we compared intersexual differences in behaviour and resource use of well-known Scarce Large Blue butterflies. The results indicated that females take short, but exceptionally regular flights, exploring available resources for oviposition. Males took longer, less regular flights, characterised by frequent interactions in search for receptive females. Interestingly, interactions between conspecific butterflies of the investigated species lasted significantly longer than with other species, especially when different sexes were involved. This suggests that individuals were able to quickly and efficiently recognise potential mating partners. Finally, the focal species showed strong association with its larval host plant while resting and nectaring, and less so with other plants with similarly coloured and shaped flowers. Females were particularly strongly restricted to the larval host plant, which provides some evidence that their sensory system shows neural limitation towards this valuable resource.Although the behaviour of the Large Blue butterflies of the genus Phengaris (= Maculinea) is relatively well studied, most empirical data come from investigations of their dispersal and oviposition. Here, we assessed overall intersexual differences in resource use by tracking Phengaris teleius (Bergsträsser, 1779) individuals and recording the duration of their behaviours. Females were characterised by frequent, short flights, and devoted more time to resting and oviposition. Males engaged in numerous, but usually short interactions, and spent most of the time in flight exploring their surroundings for receptive females. Their average flight time was significantly longer compared to females. Average feeding time did not differ between the sexes but was shorter when butterflies were feeding on Sanguisorba officinalis L. Intraspecific interactions within P. teleius were three times longer than those with other insect species, and interactions between sexes were particularly long lasting. Significantly shorter interspecific interactions imply that butterflies can easily recognise conspecifics and differentiate between sexes, which offers obvious fitness benefits. Both sexes, but especially females, showed strong association with their larval host plant, and less so with other flowers of similar colour and shape. Females predominantly used their host plant for feeding, which possibly indicates neuro-sensory constraints towards this resource.

STUDY ON BUTTERFLY FAUNA OF KARANJA (GHADGE) TAHSIL OF DISTRICT WARDHA (MAHARASHTRA)

The fauna of butterfly species was studied from in and around area of Karanja (Ghadge) tahsil of Wardha District from period of July 2019 - June 2020. A total 41 species of butterflies belonging to 5 families were recorded. Maximum 18 species of butterflies were recorded from family Nymphalidae, followed by 10 species from family Lycaenidae, 7 species from family Pieridae and 3 species were recorded each from family Papilionidae and family Hesperiidae. In the above study 2 species of butterfly recorded comes under Wild Life Protection Act 1972 of India. The butterfly species Euchrysops cnejus comes under Schedule II and Euploea core comes under Schedule IV of the Indian Wild Life Protection Act 1972.

Muscles of the Male Genitalia in the Butterfly Subfamily Aphnaeinae (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae)

The morphology of the skeleton and musculature of the male genitalia of the subfamily Aphnaeinae (Lycaenidae), distributed mainly in the Afrotropical Region, were studied and compared with those in other ancient taxa of the family Lycaenidae. The position of Aphnaeinae in the system of the family Lycaenidae is discussed based on the analysis of new comparative morphological data and with reference to the literature data. The male genital musculature was studied for the first time in Phasis thero (Linnaeus, 1764), Chrysoritis pyroeis (Trimen, 1864), and Aloeides pierus (Cramer, [1779]), representing distantly related genera of Aphnaeinae. The composition and topography of their muscles, unlike those of the previously studied Middle Asian species Cigaritis epargiros (Eversmann, 1854), were found to correspond to the ground plan of the nymphaloid group of families (Nymphalidae + Lycaenidae) and to show archaic features as compared with those in such early branches of Lycaenidae as the subfamilies Curetinae and Riodininae. Symplesiomorphic similarity of the musculature features of Aphnaeinae and Lipteninae (Liptenini) was established. The subfamilies Aphnaeinae, Poritiinae s. str., Lipteninae, and Miletinae share such a common feature as the lower wall of the saccus elongated into a narrow caudal plate (“saccus directed caudal”). However, it remains unknown whether this character is a synapomorphy of these subfamilies or a result of parallel evolution, i.e., a homoplasy.

Butterfly diversity and composition at Chemerong Amenity Forest, Terengganu, Malaysia

A study of butterfly species diversity was conducted in Chemerong Amenity Forest, Terengganu, Malaysia. A total of 939 individuals from 198 butterfly species were obtained using fruit-baited sweep nets and modified VanSomeren-Rydon cylinder traps. The biodiversity of butterflies in the study area was considered high, with a Shannon index (H’) of 4.1, Simpson’s index (DSimpson) of 0.042, and Margalef index (IMargalef) of 28.78. Individuals within the community were not evenly distributed among the species (EShannon= 0776). Nymphalidae was found to be the most dominant family (48.5%), and Lexias dirtea merguia was the most abundant species recorded with 114 individuals (12%). From the total of eight species protected under Malaysia legislation, one species Trogonoptera brookiana was also listed under CITES Appendix II, while only one protected species Agatasa calydonia calydonia of the family Nymphalidae (the brush-footed or four-footed) was considered rare. Other rare species found in this study included Arhopala lucida, Curetis saronis sumatrana, Miletus nymphis fictus of the family Lycaenidae (the blues, coppers, &amp; hairstreaks), Amathusia perakana perakana, Bassarona teuta goodrichi, Elymnias saueri saueri, Elymnias nesaea, Mycalesis horsfieldi hermana, Mycalesis distanti, Ypthima pandocus tahanensis of the family Nymphalidae (the brush-footed or four-footed), Celaenorrhinus ladana, Erionota sybirita, Matapa aria, Matapa cresta, Matapa druna, Pseudokerana fulger, Taractrocera ardonia, Taractrocera luzonensis, Telicota linna, and Unkana mytheca mytheca of the family Hesperiidae (the skippers). The dominance of family Nymphalidae may be due to several factors, including high species diversity, widespread distribution and occurrence, as well as the type of bait used in this study. Besides the Genting Highlands and Taman Negara Johor Endau Rompin, butterfly species at Chemerong Amenity Forest are more diverse than other study sites in Malaysia such as Gunung Serambu, Ulu Gombak Forest Reserve, Setiu Wetlands, Kuala Lompat, Bukit Hampuan Forest Reserve, Sungai Imbak Forest Reserve, Tabin Wildlife Reserve, and Ulu Senagang Substation. Further investigation of aspects such as stratification distribution patterns, host plants and forest dwelling species are recommended for better understanding of butterfly communities in the Chemerong Amenity Forest.

Microencapsulation of natural blue dye from butterfly pea ( Clitoria ternatea L.) flowers: The application of different carriers

The blue butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) flowers have been traditionally used as food colorants and source of anthocyanins and other flavonoids, particularly as antioxidants. Encapsulation aims at preserving natural pigments from several factors that cause their degratation. This work aimed at producing powdered butterfly pea flower extract by spray drying, using maltodextrin, cassava starch, and gelatin as carrier agents, generating a product ready to use, easy to handle, and with long shelf life. Physicochemical and colorimetric properties of the powders were assessed, resulting in high anthocyanin retention (>90%), good solubility (around 99%), low moisture (less than 5%), and good reconstitution property, with color attributes very similar to the original extract at different pHs. Gelatin-maltodextrin blended formulations resulted in powders with the best physicochemical and morphological characteristics, as well as better color preservation. Practical applications This study investigated the production by spray drying of a powdered, natural blue dye extracted from butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) flowers, using maltodextrin, cassava starch, and gelatin as carrier agents, obtaining a product that is easy to handle, ready to use, and with a long shelf life. The produced powders showed high anthocyanin retention, good solubility, low moisture and good reconstitution properties, with color attributes very similar to the original extract at different pHs. The formulation using maltodextrin-gelatin blend resulted in the powder with the best physicochemical and morphological characteristics, in addition to better color preservation, enabling its application as natural colorant in food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

Field Efficacy of Insecticides Against Blue Butterfly Lampides boeticus (L.) on Yard Long Bean

Field experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of some insecticides against blue butterfly Lampides boeticus (L.), on yard long bean Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. (cv. Githika) in the Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture (KAU), Vellayani during kharif, 2017. The results showed that chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC @ 30 g a.i.ha-1 followed by flubendiamide 39.35SC @ 48 g a.i.ha-1 and thiacloprid 21.7SC @ 120 g a.i.ha-1 recorded least flower damage when compared to control whereas, indoxacarb 14.5SC @ 75 g a.i.ha-1 recorded lowest pod infestation which was followed by flubendiamide 39.35SC @ 48 g a.i.ha-1 and thiacloprid 21.7SC @ 120 g a.i.ha-1. Thus, foliar application of chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC @ 30 g a.i.ha-1 was found effective in terms of reduction in flower and pod damage, and increased yield.

Shifting precipitation regimes alter the phenology and population dynamics of low latitude ectotherms

Predicting how species respond to changes in climate is critical to conserving biodiversity. Modeling efforts to date have largely centered on predicting the effects of warming temperatures on temperate species phenology. In and near the tropics, the effects of a warming planet on species phenology are more likely to be driven by changes in the seasonal precipitation cycle rather than temperature. To demonstrate the importance of considering precipitation-driven phenology in ecological studies, we present a case study wherein we construct a mechanistic population model for a rare subtropical butterfly (Miami blue butterfly, Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri) and use a suite of global climate models to project butterfly populations into the future. Across all iterations of the model, the trajectory of Miami blue populations is uncertain. We identify both biological uncertainty (unknown diapause survival rate) and climate uncertainty (ambiguity in the sign of precipitation change across climate models), and their interaction as key factors that determine persistence vs. extinction. Despite uncertainty, the most optimistic iteration of the model predicts that Miami blue butterfly populations will decline under the higher emissions scenario (RCP 8.5). The lack of climate model agreement across the projection ensemble suggests that investigations into the effect of climate change on precipitation-driven phenology require a higher level of rigor in the uncertainty analysis compared to analogous studies of temperature. For tropical species, a mechanistic approach that incorporates both biological and climate uncertainty is the best path forward to understand the effect shifting precipitation regimes have on phenology and population dynamics.

Metabolomic Profiles of the Creeping Wood Sorrel Oxalis corniculata in Radioactively Contaminated Fields in Fukushima: Dose-Dependent Changes in Key Metabolites.

The biological impacts of the Fukushima nuclear accident, in 2011, on wildlife have been studied in many organisms, including the pale grass blue butterfly and its host plant, the creeping wood sorrel Oxalis corniculata. Here, we performed an LC–MS-based metabolomic analysis on leaves of this plant collected in 2018 from radioactively contaminated and control localities in Fukushima, Miyagi, and Niigata prefectures, Japan. Using 7967 peaks detected by LC–MS analysis, clustering analyses showed that nine Fukushima samples and one Miyagi sample were clustered together, irrespective of radiation dose, while two Fukushima (Iitate) and two Niigata samples were not in this cluster. However, 93 peaks were significantly different (FDR < 0.05) among the three dose-dependent groups based on background, low, and high radiation dose rates. Among them, seven upregulated and 15 downregulated peaks had single annotations, and their peak intensity values were positively and negatively correlated with ground radiation dose rates, respectively. Upregulated peaks were annotated as kudinoside D (saponin), andrachcinidine (alkaloid), pyridoxal phosphate (stress-related activated vitamin B6), and four microbe-related bioactive compounds, including antibiotics. Additionally, two peaks were singularly annotated and significantly upregulated (K1R1H1; peptide) or downregulated (DHAP(10:0); decanoyl dihydroxyacetone phosphate) most at the low dose rates. Therefore, this plant likely responded to radioactive pollution in Fukushima by upregulating and downregulating key metabolites. Furthermore, plant-associated endophytic microbes may also have responded to pollution, suggesting their contributions to the stress response of the plant.

Identification of Natural Hybrids between Ahlbergia frivaldszkyi (Lederer, 1853) and Callophrys rubi (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae) Using Mitochondrial and Nuclear Markers.

Simple SummaryButterfly specimens with unusual morphological characters (e.g., unusual wing coloration) have contradictory interpretations in the literature and have been considered by different authors either as previously undescribed taxa, putative hybrids, or aberrations of well-known species. Such individuals clearly represent a taxonomic problem that needs to be addressed by scientists. The application of molecular techniques could shed light on the origin of morphological uncertainty. Here we use a combination of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers to analyze three lycaenid butterflies with unusual wing pattern, which are thought to represent naturally occurring hybrids due to their intermediate phenotype. We confirm their hybrid origin and indicate that the specimens are wild-caught hybrids between females of Callophrys rubi and males of Ahlbergia frivaldszkyi. Our data indicate that gene flow across species boundaries in these butterflies can occur long after speciation.Natural hybridization is rather widespread and common in animals and can have important evolutionary consequences. In terms of taxonomy, exploring hybridization and introgression is crucial in defining species boundaries and testing taxonomic hypotheses. In the present paper, we report on natural hybrid specimens between Ahlbergia frivaldszkyi (Lederer, 1853) and Callophrys rubi (Linnaeus, 1758). To test the hypothesis of their hybrid origin, we employed the molecular mitochondrial (COI gene) and nuclear (wingless, RPS5, and Ca-ATPase genes) markers commonly used in phylogenetic studies and explored the morphology of the specimens. Our analysis revealed that hybrids bear mitochondrial haplotypes of C. rubi, while nuclear fragments are heterozygous, sharing a combination of A. frivaldszkyi and C. rubi lineages. The hybrid specimens combine morphological characters of both genera. Our results for the first time empirically demonstrate the possibility of genetic introgression between these species and between the genera Callophrys and Ahlbergia on the whole.

Contrasting genetic responses to habitat fragmentation for two Lycaenid butterfly species

AbstractBiodiversity is currently declining at the global scale. Apart from species declines and lowered abundances, the loss of genetic diversity is equally concerning as it may undermine fitness and the potential to adapt to future environmental change. We compared genetic diversity of historical and recent Alpine populations of two butterfly species, Lycaena helle and L. hippothoe, over a period of about 10 years. Using microsatellite markers, we found no changes over time in L. helle, while genetic diversity decreased, and differentiation increased in L. hippothoe. Lycaena helle inhabits peat bogs and wetland fallows with populations being strongly isolated, while L. hippothoe used to occur in population networks on hay meadows, with the latter being strongly exposed to agricultural intensification. We conclude that currently L. hippothoe populations are strongly declining due to changes in land use, resulting in genetic erosion potentially due to the collapse of population networks.

Oviposition behaviour and emergence through time of the small blue butterfly (Cupido minimus) in a nature reserve in Bedfordshire, UK

Climate change affects butterflies in many ways, influencing the timing of emergence and reproduction, habitat preferences, and behaviour. The small blue (Cupido minimus Fuessley, 1775) is highly specialised in its host plant requirements, feeding on the seeds of a single species, kidney vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria), on which the larvae occur singly to avoid cannibalism. The butterfly is likely to be vulnerable to temperature-related changes in oviposition, adult emergence, and host plant flowering times, and is, therefore, a good model species for investigating climate change-related impacts. Using 26 years of data from the national UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (1993–2019) from one nature reserve, and 4 years of targeted egg searches (2006, 2007, 2008, 2020) from three reserves in Bedfordshire, UK, we investigated the effects of local temperature on small blue emergence date and total abundance, whether flowerhead or local environmental characteristics predicted small blue oviposition behaviour, and whether this changed between years. Small blue adults emerged on earlier dates over time, and earlier in years with higher maximum February temperatures. Total adult abundance was not predicted by monthly temperatures or total abundance in the previous year. Oviposition behaviour was broadly consistent across years, with egg presence more likely and egg abundance higher on kidney vetch flowerheads that were taller than the surrounding vegetation, and surrounded by taller vegetation and fewer mature flowerheads. The effect of solar radiation differed between years, with a negative effect on the probability of egg presence in 2007 and 2008, but a positive effect in 2020. Egg abundance per flowerhead was highly variable between years, with 2006 having four times more eggs per flowerhead than other years. This was likely driven by high adult abundance in 2006, which could have increased competition for flowerheads.Implications for insect conservationOur results indicate that management for greater availability of taller kidney vetch amongst taller vegetation would encourage small blue oviposition on a greater number of flowerheads, providing a possible means of reducing competition and increasing larval survival, and that this would be effective despite variation in adult abundance between years. The high level of competition we observed in the year with the highest adult abundance indicates that higher numbers of host plants should be encouraged to reduce competition and larval cannibalism in peak years, increasing the likelihood of long-term population persistence and growth.

New larval host plants for the Slate flash, Black rajah and Tiny grass blue butterflies (Insecta: Lycaenidae, Nymphalidae) from Bankura, West Bengal, India

New larval host plants for the Slate flash, Black rajah and Tiny grass blue butterflies (Insecta: Lycaenidae, Nymphalidae) from Bankura, West Bengal, India

Evaluation of IPM module against major insect pests of green gram, Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek in lower Gangetic plains of West Bengal

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of integrated management practices over farmers’ practices against insect pest complex of green gram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) during kharif season in the ‘A-B’ Block Farm of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya in 2019. The results revealed that the incidence of all of the insect pests viz. whitefly, pulse aphid, jassid, flower thrips, gram pod borer, spotted pod borer, blue butterfly, plant bug and pod bug was recorded comparatively less in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plot as compared to farmers’ practices. The seed yield of green gram was also recorded a higher (1382.22 kg ha-1) in plots treated with integrated approaches as compared to farmer’s practices (476.94 kg ha-1). IPM module recorded maximum cost benefit ratio along with higher gross return and net profit as against farmers’ practices.

Metabolomic Response of the Creeping Wood Sorrel Oxalis corniculata to Low-Dose Radiation Exposure from Fukushima's Contaminated Soil.

The biological consequences of the Fukushima nuclear accident have been intensively studied using the pale grass blue butterfly Zizeeria maha and its host plant, the creeping wood sorrel Oxalis corniculata. Here, we performed metabolomic analyses of Oxalis leaves from Okinawa to examine the plant metabolites that were upregulated or downregulated in response to low-dose radiation exposure from Fukushima’s contaminated soil. The cumulative dose of radiation to the plants was 5.7 mGy (34 μGy/h for 7 days). The GC-MS analysis revealed a systematic tendency of downregulation among the metabolites, some of which were annotated as caproic acid, nonanoic acid, azelaic acid, and oleic acid. Others were annotated as fructose, glucose, and citric acid, involved in the carbohydrate metabolic pathways. Notably, the peak annotated as lauric acid was upregulated. In contrast, the LC-MS analysis detected many upregulated metabolites, some of which were annotated as either antioxidants or stress-related chemicals involved in defense pathways. Among them, only three metabolite peaks had a single annotation, one of which was alfuzosin, an antagonist of the α1-adrenergic receptor. We conclude that this Oxalis plant responded metabolically to low-dose radiation exposure from Fukushima’s contaminated soil, which may mediate the ecological “field effects” of the developmental deterioration of butterflies in Fukushima.

Observations on the mating behaviour and related copulatory anatomy of Alaena margaritacea Eltringham, 1929 (Papilionoidea: Lycaenidae: Poritiinae)

This article records observations made on the mating behaviours and related copulatory anatomy of Alaena margaritacea Eltringham, 1929. Several mating sessions were observed, one of which lasted for at least 1 h 38 min. The female seemed to play a predominant role in copulation behaviours. The male abdomen tilted at an unusual angle during copulation. Anatomically, the ostium bursa was found to be covered by a sclerotized cup leading into an orifice. This cup and orifice occurred at a distance from the abdominal tip, corresponding with the unusual tilting of the male abdomen during copulation. Inside the cup, a “waxy” substance was found to cover the orifice. A SEM micrograph of this showed that the substance was folded to increase its volume. This article considers the possibility that this is a sphragis or related structure. However, the current literature emphatically concludes that sphragides do not exist in the family Lycaenidae. The apparently peculiar mating behaviour and anatomy in this species requires further research.