Description of the pelargonium butterfly Cacyreus marshalli Butler (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Polyommatinae)

Abstract

The geranium bronze butterfly Cacyreus marshalli Butler, 1898, (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Polyommatinae: Polyommatini) is an important pest of some ornamental plants. It infests flowers, neck of flowers and borrows in the stem of Pelargonium zonale and P. inquinans (Geraniaceae) in many districts in Alexandria Governorate. Morphology of each stage (egg, larva, pupa and adults [male & female]) of this butterfly was described in detail. As well as, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) photographs for egg were taken. Larvae are elongate (onisciform) slightly flattened and yellowish to light green in colour. The obtect pupae are with dorsal aspect darker than the ventral one, with abdominal parts pale yellowish in colour and with dense long hairs dorsally. Male is slightly shorter than female. Forewing and hindwing with dorsal side brown in colour and with white and brown fine bands on edges in both sexes. The diagnostic characteirstics of adult male and female were described in detail. Ultrastructure of antennal sensilla were described and photographed by SEM photographe.