Aloeides, commonly called coppers, is a genus of butterflies in the family Lycaenidae. Most can be found in South Africa (49 species), but a few species occur as far north as Kenya (8 species).

General Description

The butterflies of this genus inhabit grassy areas with bare patches, such as grassy fynbos in the western and eastern cape, or highvield grasslands in other provinces. Aloeidis males exhibit territorial behavior, claiming specific areas on road verges and unsurfaced roads where they can counter females and mate. These butterflies of this genus are observed to have a preference for host Apalathus plants, except Aloeides pallida. Aloeides butterflies are polyphagous, recorded to have been feeding on six plant species from four families. Ant species Monomorium fridae and Lepisiota capensis act as larval hosts, in an obligate dependence association.

Species

Listed alphabetically within groups.