# Aloeides dentatis

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***Aloeides dentatis***, the **[Roodepoort](/source/Roodepoort) copper**, is a species of [butterfly](/source/Butterfly) in the family [Lycaenidae](/source/Lycaenidae). It is found in [Lesotho](/source/Lesotho) and [South Africa](/source/South_Africa).

## Description

This butterfly inhabits grassy areas with bare patches, such as grassy [fynbos](/source/Fynbos) in the western and eastern cape, or highvield grasslands in other provinces.[1]

The [wingspan](/source/Wingspan) is 22–26 mm for males and 24–28 mm females. Adults are on wing from August to November and from February to March. There are two generations per year.[2] There is a submarginal silvery band on the underside of [hindwing](/source/Hindwing), extending from costa to the inner margin.[3]

The males of *Aloeidis* exhibit territorial behavior, claiming specific areas on road verges and unsurfaced roads where they can counter females and mate.[4]

## Habitat and behavior

The larvae of the nominate subspecies feed on *[Hermannia depressa](/source/Hermannia_depressa)* and *[Lotononis eriantha](/source/Lotononis_eriantha)*. Larvae of subspecies *A. d. maseruna* feed on *[Hermannia jacobeifolia](/source/Hermannia_jacobeifolia)*. The larvae are attended to by *[Lepisiota capensis](/source/Lepisiota_capensis)* ants.[5]

*A. dentatis* are noted to secrete chemicals from their perforated cupolas, that mimic the brood [pheromones](/source/Pheromone) of the host ants, allowing them blend in with the colony. To avoid being attacked, the glands near [tubercles](/source/Tubercle) produce a second secretion that mimics the 'alarm pheromones' of these ants.[6]

- *Aloeides dentatis dentatis* (South Africa: [Mpumalanga](/source/Mpumalanga), [Gauteng](/source/Gauteng), [KwaZulu-Natal](/source/KwaZulu-Natal))
- *Aloeides dentatis maseruna* (Riley, 1938) (Lesotho, South Africa: [North West](/source/North_West_(South_African_province)) and [Free State](/source/Free_State_(province)))

## References

1. Henning, G.A. (1993). ["Revisional notes on the genus Aloeides Hübner"](https://www.metamorphosis.org.za/?p=articles&s=Details&pt=48&i=466). *Metamorphosis*. **4**: 144–155.

1. Woodhall, Steve (2005). *Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa*. Cape Town, South Africa: Struik. ISBN 978-1-86872-724-7.

1. Henning, G.A. & Henning, S.F. (1982). ["Descriptions of three new species of Aloeides (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) from the Transvaal, South Africa, and South West Africa (Namibia)"](https://journals.co.za/doi/abs/10.10520/AJA00128789_2929). *Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa*. **45** (2): 231–238. [hdl:10520/AJA00128789_2929](https://hdl.handle.net/10520/AJA00128789_2929)

1. Edge, David A. (2005). ["Life history and ecological observations on Aloeides pallida, undesribed subspecies (Lepidoptera: Lycaedinae)"](https://www.metamorphosis.org.za/?p=articles&s=Details&pt=124&i=747). *Metamorphosis*. **16** (4): 110–115.

1. Henning, G.A.; Patel, T.; Van Der Colff, D. (2022). "*Aloeides dentatis*". [doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-2.RLTS.T883A165245575.en](https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-2.RLTS.T883A165245575.en)

1. Henning, S.F. (1983). ["Biological groups within the Lycaenidae (Lepidoptera)."](https://journals.co.za/doi/abs/10.10520/AJA00128789_2353). *Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa*. **46** (1): 65–85. [hdl:10520/AJA00128789_2353](https://hdl.handle.net/10520/AJA00128789_2353)

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