Eriksson's Copper

Eriksson's Copper, Erikssonia acraeina (Lycaenidae: Theclinae) is one of the rarest and most endangered butterflies in southern Africa. It was discovered in Ovamboland by the explorer AW Eriksson in 1889. No more records were made until a small colony was discovered by CB (Kit) Cottrell in December 1955, at Mongu, Barotse Province, Zambia.

Lepidopterists were amazed when Dave Edge and his wife-to-be Esmé found a strong colony in the Waterberg near Trichardts Pass in December 1980. This was an unexpected find and soon the species was on the protected list and the subject of extensive study by conservationists. It was found to be closely related to the Aloeides Rough Coppers and like them, associated with ground nesting ants. The larvae were found to feed on Gnidia kraussiana (Thymeliaceae) a common toxic plant in the area. They sheltered in the ants' nests, where the pupae were formed. It is very likely that the butterfly's black-spotted orange markings are a sign of unpalatability and it may well form part of a mimicry ring with the Dancing Acraea Telchinia serena, also found in the area.

In the early 1990's the provincial boundaries were redrawn and during this period, the land use was changed. Burning and grazing ceased, and the watch on this butterfly was not maintained. It was found in the late 1990's that the locality was overgrown and the foodplants senescent. As of today the butterfly has not been seen in the wild for over 10 years and lepidopterists are seriously worried about it.

The butterfly is low flying and reluctant to move from its home range, so other colonies may survive unnoticed in the Waterberg. Each year, members of the Lepidopterists' Society revisit the area in the hope of rediscovering it. Why not contact the Society and go along on one of the visits? And if you own a farm in the Waterberg, keep a very close eye out for it...