Cacyreus marshalli

BUTTERFLY INFO

Cacyreus marshalli is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae on the island of Crete, Greece.

Scientific name

Cacyreus marshalli (Butler, 1898)

Common name

Geranium Bronze

Classification

Family: Lycaenidae > Subfamily: Polyommatinae > Tribus: Polyommatini > Genus: Cacyreus

Wingspan

Male to female: 15-23 mm

Appearance

The butterfly has a bronze coloring on its upper surface with white spots on the fringe. The hindwings contain an eyespot to divert predators from attacking.

Females are larger than males but otherwise similar.

Behavior

It flies for short periods and frequently rests on leaves or flowers.

Habitat

Cacyreus marshalli lives in artificial habitats in rebates with geranium (Pelargonium) and in natural habitats with Geranium or Erodium.

Food plant

Cacyreus marshalli in Crete can be easily found in Geraniaceae plants such as Geranium and Pelargonium.

Flight period

Remarks

It is an invasive, non-native species. The butterfly was first introduced to Europe in the late 20th century and has quickly spread to many southern and eastern European regions.

Since today, it has not been regarded as a quarantine pest by any regional plant protection organization.

Status*

Least Concern (LC)

(*European Red List of Butterflies, 2010)