Hypolycaena philippus
Hypolycaena philippus, the purple-brown hairstreak or common hairstreak, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae. It is native to sub-Saharan Africa where it is commonly found in wooded locations.
Description
The wingspan is 22–28 mm for males and 23.5–31 mm for females. Adults are on wing year round in warmer areas with peaks in November and March or April.Habitat and behavior
The larvae feed on Clerodendrum glabrum, Ximenia species, Deinbollia species, Vangueria species, Maytenus senegalensis, Allophylus, Loranthus, Punica granatum, other Clerodendrum, Coccinia grandis and Ixora.Subspecies
- Hypolycaena philippus philippus – mainland sub-Saharan Africa
- Hypolycaena philippus ramonza – Madagascar, Aldabra, Cosmoledo, Comoro Islands