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3 unusual facts about Phengaris alcon


Phengaris alcon

Orachrysops niobe, another member of the Lycaenidae from South Africa, has a very similar life-cycle.

The butterfly lays its eggs onto the Marsh Gentian (Gentiana pneumonanthe); in the region of the Alps they are sometimes also found on the related Willow Gentian (Gentiana asclepiadea).

It is known to use Myrmica scabrinodis, Myrmica ruginodis, and Myrmica rubra as the primary host within differing European zones.



see also