About Tarucus thespis (Linnaeus, 1764)
Tarucus thespis, commonly known as the fynbos blue or vivid blue, is a species of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. This butterfly is found in South Africa. Its distribution ranges from the Northern Cape, southward into the fynbos biome of the West Cape, and eastward to the Amathole Mountains in the Eastern Cape. Males of this species have a wingspan of 20 to 25 millimeters, while females have a slightly larger wingspan ranging from 20 to 27 millimeters. Adult Tarucus thespis can be seen in flight throughout the year, with population activity peaking in two periods: September to November, and February to March. The larvae of this butterfly feed on Phylica imberbis and species from the Saxifraga genus.
