HESPERIIDAE

FAMILY: HESPERIIDAE View in CoL View at ENA

Genus Abantis Hopffer, 1855 .

Abantis bicolor (Trimen, 1864)

Bicoloured Paradise Skipper; Wegkruip Dartelaartjie

Steve E. Woodhall

NT B1ab(iii)

Endemic

Type locality: Bashee River , Kaffraria .

Taxonomy: There are no notable issues. Abantis bicolor is a distinctive species that cannot easily be mistaken for other members of its genus. All subpopulations show some variation in the extent of the black upper side markings, and this variation appears to be consistent across subpopulations. Flight range is based on behaviour on sites where males are found on hilltops and females lower down on flowers; typically these sites are of the order of 1 000 m apart.

Distribution: Endemic to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces in South Africa, in the coastal and coastal hinterland regions from Nqileni in the south to Nkandla in the north. Historically it occurred further south near East London.

Habitat: Males are usually found on hill tops near or in moist scarp forests, or forest/grassland mosaics, in the coastal hinterland and hillsides. Both sexes may be found on flowers, or perching on prominent shrubs and trees, close to forest edges.

Vegetation types: CB3 KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Belt Grassland , CB4 Pondoland-Ugu Sandstone Coastal Sourveld , CB5 Transkei Coastal Belt , CB6 KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Belt Thornveld, FOz5 Scarp Forest, FOz7 Northern Coastal Forest, Gs20 Moist Coast Hinterland Grassland, SVs5 KwaZulu-Natal Sandstone Sourveld, ( CB3 KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Belt Grassland ) .

Assessment rationale: This is an uncommon, habitatrestricted endemic species, known from seven subpopulations in central to southern coastal KwaZulu-Natal province, and the adjoining north-eastern section of the Eastern Cape province, in South Africa (EOO 16 447 km 2). EOO has declined since the previous assessment (EOO 18743 km 2) and historically (EOO 29 000 km 2). The butterfly is present in well-protected nature reserves such as Nkandla and Ongoye Forests, Krantzkloof Nature Reserve near Durban, and Umtamvuna Nature Reserve near Port Edward. However, known sites within these are far apart. Over the entire range, the population is mostly not severely fragmented because most of the AOO is within fairly homogeneous forested areas (with the possible exception of the Westville and Illovo sites). Outside the nature reserves the taxon’s forest habitat is under threat from agriculture and informal human settlements. At least one protected area (Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve) has been subject to a successful land claim and hence faces the same threats. One location, at Palmiet Nature Reserve in Westville, Durban, has produced no sightings of the butterfly in the past 18 years and the site where the sightings were made has been concreted over. The location at Illovo (Mpongolwana) is inside an area already threatened by informal agriculture and settlement, and overgrazing. Some of the sites in its known AOO are under severe threat and its AOO is expected to decline in future. There are 15 locations. The colonies around Port St Johns form six separate locations, three of which are under threat (alien plant invasion – two locations, and urbanisation – one location). All these colonies may come under threat from development due to the planned N2 road extension and the urbanisation that is likely to accompany this. This would have the effect of reducing the number of locations to 10. Therefore, a continued decline in the area of suitable habitat is expected. EOO is under 20 000 km 2 which puts it inside the Vulnerable threshold but the number of locations is just over 10, just outside the Vulnerable threshold. The taxon thus qualifies globally under the IUCN criteria as Near Threatened under criterion B.

Change in status from SABCA: The EOO has declined since the previous assessment from 18 743 km 2 to 16 447 km 2, due to its apparent disappearance from its southern locations (East London area) and increasing threats across its range, but due to the number of locations being 15 this is still within the Near Threatened (B1) threshold. There were significant threats during the previous assessment that were not considered, and this taxon should have been assessed as Near Threatened then too. The Red List criteria were therefore wrongly applied previously. The status change from Least Concern to Near Threatened is therefore a non-genuine change.

Threats: Subpopulations occurring outside of protected

areas are threatened from habitat destruction by agriculture and housing, in the form of informal settlements. The sites at Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve may come under threat from both of these, due to a recent successful land claim. Invasive alien plants also pose a threat to the early stages of the taxon in the Port St Johns area, in forests where its host plant probably grows, and alien plants are poorly controlled. Although the host plant is not known, such invaders can form dense stands that shade out and displace indigenous vegetation. The subpopulations in the south, along the Eastern Cape province coast, may face future threats from development pressures as a result of a planned highway (N2) linking Durban and East London.

Conservation measures and research required: The known subpopulations outside current protected areas need protection from human encroachment and alien plant invasion. Monitoring of all subpopulations is required to establish overall population, distribution and trends. Research required into its life history and ecology/habitat requirements.

Genus Kedestes Watson, 1893 .

Kedestes barberae bunta Evans, 1956

Cape Freckled Ranger; Kaapse Vlakte Gevlekte Wagtertjie

Andrew S. Morton

CR B1ab(iii); C2a(i)

Endemic

Type locality: Nr. Steenberg Railway Station , Cape prov.

Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.

Distribution: Endemic to the Western Cape province in South Africa, from a small area of the Cape Flats in and around Strandfontein.

Habitat: Stands of Imperata cylindrica growing in damp seeps between dunes, predominantly in Cape Flats Dune Strandveld. The sandy soil where the butterfly is found is mainly alkaline and calcareous.

Vegetation types: FS6 Cape Flats Dune Strandveld .

Assessment rationale: A very range restricted endemic taxon from the Western Cape, South Africa ( EOO 1 km 2). There are two locations. Housing and development on the Cape Flats has destroyed most suitable habitat for this taxon and it has been reduced to one last population. The drought is also impacting the host plant. Despite efforts to protect the last remaining site, less than 25 adults were recorded during the last flight period in 2016. It therefore qualifies as Critically Endangered under criteria B and C .

Change in status from SABCA: The status has not changed from the previous assessment.

Threats: Heavier vehicular traffic on the Strandfontein road, which bisects the main colony, has increased the incidence of specimens being hit and killed by vehicles and the amount of air-borne toxins and pollutants from exhaust fumes being released into the habitat. It has also increased the risk of fire in the area caused by passing motorists disposing of smoldering cigarette ends. The recent drought in the Cape Town area has led to the seeps becoming drier. Alien vegetation, mainly wattles, has in the past increased the drying out of the seeps and raised the risk of fire frequency and intensity. The constant threat of a road-widening project at the Strandfontein localities looms. The new locality at Pelican Park suffers from some of the same threats, but this site is at least in a Nature Reserve and the threats can more easily be mitigated (see conservation measures).

Conservation measures and research required: The Cape Town Metro has fenced the Strandfontein portion of the taxon’s habitat, to prevent dumping, and has cleared the habitat of alien plants. A new locality for the butterfly was found in the Pelican Park section of the False Bay Nature Reserve. Ismat Adams' MSc research project, which gathered life-history and ecological data has been successfully completed. A Kedestes Conservation Committee has been set up including personnel from all stakeholders, including the Cape Town Metro, LSA, University of Cape Town and the Cape Town Environmental Education Trust (CTEET). CTEET have appointed a project manager, Louise Baldwin and the Committee has established a conservation strategy which includes habitat restoration at all occupied sites and a captive rearing programme which aims to increase the number of adults by preventing mortality in the wild.

Kedestes lenis lenis Riley, 1932

False Bay Unique Ranger; Valsbaai Unieke Wagtertjie

Andrew S. Morton

CR B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)

Endemic

which the host plant grows are drying out and the host plant is becoming combustible. Fortunately this taxon also occurs in two municipal reserves managed by the Cape Town Metro where it is well protected at Pelican Park and Rondevlei. The location at Steenberg railway station is likely to be no longer viable as consistent surveys over the last five years have resulted in no adults being recorded. There is a subpopulation at the Cape Flats Nature Reserve at the University of the Western Cape. The reserve management are aware of the butterfly and the reserve is well managed. Invasive alien plants are causing ongoing habitat degradation at all known subpopulations. The taxon therefore qualifies globally under the IUCN criteria as Critically Endangered under criterion B .

Change in status from SABCA: The nature and intensity of the threats to its already severely fragmented population have increased since the previous assessment. A portion of this habitat along Strandfontein road is due to be lost to an imminent road widening. Drought is causing the damp seeps in which its food plant grows to dry out and the food plant is becoming combustible. The subpopulation at Steenberg Railway station has been lost. Invasive alien plants are causing ongoing habitat degradation. The status change from Endangered to Critically Endangered is therefore genuine.

Threats: Development across the Cape Flats has destroyed a large portion of suitable habitat. Development includes housing, farming and a large sewage works at Strandfontein. The last remaining suitable habitat is severely fragmented. Some of this habitat is degraded by alien vegetation which dries out the seeps in which the host plant grows. The threat and intensity of fires is enhanced by the flammable alien wattles. The largest subpopulation is bisected by a major road with ever increasing traffic (causing pollution and fire risk) and an imminent threat of road widening. The converse is true for the subpopulation in Bellville. Fires are far too infrequent and planned burns impossible due to the proximity to the airport where visual clarity is of utmost importance to air traffic.

Type locality: Cape of Good Hope .

Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.

Distribution: Endemic to the Western Cape province in South Africa, from Strandfontein, Retreat and Bellville South on the Cape Flats.

Habitat: Damp areas in Fynbos where its host plant Imperata cylindrica grows.

Vegetation types: FFd5 Cape Flats Sand Fynbos, FS 6 Cape Flats Dune Strandveld .

Assessment rationale: This is a range restricted endemic taxon from the Western Cape province, South Africa (EOO 62 km 2). The majority of this taxon’s former habitat has been lost to urban and agricultural development and the population is severely fragmented. There are four remaining locations. The subpopulation at Strandfontein is bisected by a major road and mortality rates from passing traffic are high. A portion of this habitat along Strandfontein road is likely to be lost to an imminent road widening. The damp seeps in Conservation measures and research required: The Cape Town Metro has fenced the Strandfontein portion of the taxon’s habitat, to prevent dumping, and has cleared the habitat of alien plants. Ismat Adams' MSc research project, which gathered life-history and ecological data has been successfully completed. A Kedestes Conservation Committee has been set up including personnel from all stakeholders, including the Cape Town Metro, LSA, University of Cape Town and the Cape Town Environmental Education Trust (CTEET). CTEET have appointed a project manager, Louise Baldwin and the Committee has established a conservation strategy which includes habitat restoration at all occupied sites and a captive rearing programme which aims to increase the number of adults by preventing larval mortality in the wild.

Kedestes niveostriga schloszi Pringle, 1997

Greyton Dark Ranger; Greyton Donker Wagtertjie

Andrew S. Morton

VU B1ab(iii)

Endemic

Type locality: Greyton.

seen and further searches along the Molenaars River in Du Toit’s Kloof are required to determine the size of this subpopulation. All known locations are experiencing ongoing decline in habitat quality as a result of invasion by alien plants. The taxon thus qualifies globally under the IUCN criteria as Vulnerable under criterion B .

Change in status from SABCA: Since the previous assessment the author of the current assessment has done much field work in order to establish the true status of this taxon. The localities around the type locality are degraded and only one specimen has been seen in the last four years. However, healthy populations have been found in Bain’s Kloof 100 km away (Morton, 2016) and a single specimen was taken at Du Toit’s Kloof since the previous assessment. The EOO has now increased to 578 km 2 and there are six locations. These localities would have existed during the previous assessment. Despite the discovery of new localities the taxon is still under threat as it is experiencing ongoing decline in habitat quality as a result of invasion by alien plants. The status change from Endangered to Vulnerable is therefore non-genuine .

Threats: The habitat around Greyton has been significantly degraded by human interference (residential encroachment, grazing, etc.). These factors appear to account for the disappearance of the taxon from some of its former localities around Greyton. Two newly discovered subpopulations occur in nature reserves but are still threatened by encroachment of alien vegetation.

Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.

Distribution: Endemic to the Western Cape province in South Africa, previously only known from the foot of the Riversonderend Mountains, near Greyton, but two other subpopulations, at Bain’s Kloof and in Du Toit's Kloof, were discovered by the taxon author in 2015 and 2016, respectively.

Habitat: Damp riverbed environs in fynbos where its host plant Pennisetum macrourum grows.

Vegetation types: FFa2 Breede Alluvium Fynbos, FFg2 Boland Granite Fynbos, FFh7 Greyton Shale Fynbos, FFs10 Hawequas Sandstone Fynbos, FRs12 Central Ruens Shale Renosterveld.

Assessment rationale: An endemic taxon from the Western Cape province, South Africa ( EOO 578 km 2). There are six locations. This taxon was previously only known from riverine environs around Greyton, which are being degraded and lost as the town of Greyton expands. Several surveys of Greyton over the last five years have resulted in only one individual adult seen in 2015. However, in 2015 the author found the taxon at another locality, 100 km from Greyton, in a nature reserve in Bain’s Kloof. This subpopulation is healthy and in a well-protected area. In 2016 the taxon was found at a third locality, in Du Toit’s Kloof, which also falls within a nature reserve. However, only one specimen was Conservation measures and research required: Further field surveys are required to establish the range and relative abundance of this taxon (surveys in the last two years have resulted in the discovery of two subpopulations). These two subpopulations are within nature reserves, one private (Bastiaan’s Kloof in Bain’s Kloof) and the other (Du Toit’s Kloof) under the control of CapeNature. Continued alien vegetation control is required at both sites. Research is needed into the life history and ecology and the population needs to be monitored at all sites .

Relevant literature:

Morton, A.S. 2016. Discovery of a new locality for the endangered skipper butterfly Kedestes niveostriga schloszi Pringle & Schlosz, 1997 . Metamorphosis 27: 15–16

Kedestes sarahae Henning & Henning, 1998

Cedarberg Ranger; Sederberg Wagtertjie

Jeremy C.H. Dobson & Chris M. Dobson

CR B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v)

Endemic

Type locality: Cederberg, 920 m, Western Cape province .

Taxonomy: Morphologically, Kedestes sarahae is similar to Kedestes barberae . The subspecies K. barberae bonsa displays features transitional between K. b. barbarae and K. sarahae , and the latter may thus represent another subspecies of K. barberae . It is recommended that DNA comparisons are undertaken to help resolve the relationship between these taxa.

Distribution: Endemic to the Western Cape province in

nature of the site. However, extensive searches recently, within apparently suitable habitat nearby, have failed to locate any more butterflies, and thus the assumption has since been proven to be incorrect. It is a very localised species, having an AOO <1 km 2 and one location. During the previous assessment there were no obvious threats. However, the numbers of adults seems to have crashed in recent years, with approximately 10 specimens observed in 2016 (J. Dobson, pers. obs.). The drought is believed to be responsible for the recent decline, culminating in a fire that swept through the locality in December 2016. While this fire was outside the adult butterfly’s flight period, it is believed that early stages of the butterfly may have been destroyed. The previous assessment should have considered fire as a future potential threat and this species should consequently have been listed as Vulnerable D2. The reduction in population size since the 2012 assessment and the current threats of fire and drought, make it Critically Endangered now, and thus the change in status from the previous assessment, which should have been Vulnerable, is genuine.

Threats: Although this species occurs in a remote area of the Cederberg, it appears to be dependent on patches of Merxmuellera grass, confined to the banks of a small stream. It is uncertain what the effect of the recent drought will have on this vegetation. In addition, the entire locality was burnt during a fire in September 2017, during the butterfly’s flight period. The consequences of this event will only become apparent during the course of the coming season.

South Africa, known only from the type locality in the Cederberg mountains , south-east of Clanwilliam .

Habitat: This species has only been recorded from the banks of a small stream in the Cederberg mountains. It appears to be associated with patches of Merxmuellera grass, in montane fynbos at an altitude of about 920 m.

Vegetation types: FFs4 Cederberg Sandstone Fynbos.

Assessment rationale: A range-restricted endemic species known only from one locality in the Cedarberg in the Western Cape province, South Africa (EOO 8 km 2, AOO 8 km 2). There has been a drastic reduction in the number of adults recorded over the last few seasons, and there was a fire Conservation measures and research required: The population needs to be monitored at all sites during the September/October flight period, to establish the full extent of its range and relative abundance. Research is needed into the life history and ecology, and future conservation efforts will be informed by this research.

Genus Metisella Hemming, 1934 .

Metisella meninx (Trimen, 1873)

Marsh Sylph; Moeras Walsertjie

Graham A. Henning

NT C2a(i)

Endemic

that burnt the habitat in December 2016. While the fire occurred outside of the butterfly's flight period, it is believed that early stages (larvae and/or pupae) may have been killed. No empirical data are available, but the number of adult butterflies observed in the 2016 season before the fire (J. Dobson, pers. obs.; H. Selb and A. Morton, pers. comm.) appeared to represent an order of magnitude reduction from the 2012 season (H. Selb, pers. comm.). The taxon thus qualifies globally under the IUCN criteria as Critically Endangered under criterion B.

Change in status from SABCA: The 2012 assessment was based on the assumption that this species would be located within other areas nearby given the extensive and pristine

more localities are modified and the butterflies occurring at these sites are extirpated. The taxon is a habitat specialist being completely dependent on its host plant and pristine habitat for survival. Currently there are estimated to be less than 12 000 mature individuals in the entire population, with no more than 250 individuals per subpopulation. The change in status from Least Concern to Near Threatened is therefore genuine.

Threats: Urban encroachment, agriculture and acid minedrainage are current or potential threats. Natural phenomena such as storms and flooding have been recorded as decimating entire colonies overnight (G.A. Henning, pers. obs.). Wetlands, the preferred habitat of this taxon, are being drained and modified throughout the distribution of the taxon.

Type locality: Potchefstroom, Transvaal Republic.

Taxonomy: A research paper distinguishing two subspecies from the nominate subspecies is being prepared for publication. One of these putative subspecies comprises the population in Angola.

Distribution: Endemic to the Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces in South Africa, from Magaliesberg in the west to Barberton in the east, and Ladysmith in the south to Vaalwater in the north. Also as a newly differentiated subspecies in Angola.

Habitat: Marshes and stream banks in wetlands in open grassland, at altitudes of 1 400 to 1 700 m; the marshes are often in headwaters of streams.

Conservation measures and research required: Ongoing monitoring of this taxon should be undertaken, although it is not threatened at present. Research into its taxonomy is ongoing, and needs to include its life history and ecology/habitat requirements.

Metisella syrinx (Trimen, 1868)

Bamboo Sylph; Bamboes Walsertjie

Jeremy C.H. Dobson & Chris M. Dobson

VU D2

Endemic

Vegetation types: Gh 15 Carletonville Dolomite Grassland, Gm 10 Egoli Granite Grassland , Gm 11 Rand Highveld Grassland , Gm 12 Eastern Highveld Grassland , Gm 14 Wakkerstroom Montane Grassland , Gm 17 Barberton Montane Grassland , Gm 30 Steenkampsberg Montane Grassland , Gm 8 Soweto Highveld Grassland , Gm 9 Tsakane Clay Grassland , Gs 4 Northern KwaZulu-Natal Moist Grassland , SVcb10 Gauteng Shale Mountain Bushveld , SVcb11 Andesite Mountain Bushveld , SVcb13 Loskop Mountain Bushveld , SVcb17 Waterberg Mountain Bushveld , SVcb6 Marikana Thornveld , SVcb9 Gold Reef Mountain Bushveld .

Assessment rationale: A wide-ranging endemic taxon from the northern and eastern regions of South Africa (EOO 80 348 km 2). Found in very small areas where its host plant can be found in wetlands. There are already dozens of localities where this taxon was previously found which have been destroyed by development. Every year more localities are modified and the butterflies occurring at these sites are extirpated. The taxon is a habitat specialist, being completely dependent on its host plant in riverine or wetland habitats. There are less than 12 000 mature individuals in the entire population, with no more than 250 individuals per subpopulation. The taxon thus qualifies globally under the IUCN criteria as Near Threatened under criterion C.

Change in status from SABCA: This species is found widely but in very small areas in pristine wetland habitats where its host plant, Rice Grass ( Leersia hexandra ), can be found. There are already dozens of localities where this taxon has previously been found but which have been destroyed by development. Since the previous assessment, every year Type locality: On the summit of Gaika's Kop, the highest point of the Amatola Mountains, being about 6,800 feet above sea-level.

Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.

LC Endemic

Distribution: An endemic to the Eastern Cape province in South Africa, from Gaika's Kop near Hogsback and near Bedford.

Habitat: Rocky areas, often near the summit of mountains, in montane grassland. Very closely associated with the larval host plant, Mountain Bamboo ( Bergbambos tessellata ). For reasons not yet understood, this species is not found in habitats to the north of its known range, where conditions appear to be suitable. These include parts of the Royal Natal National Park and Giants Castle (northern Drakensberg) and mountains above Harrismith and Fouriesburg in the Free State.

Vegetation types: Gd2 Amathole Mistbelt Grassland.

Assessment rationale: This is a highly restricted endemic species from the Eastern Cape province, South Africa (EOO 18 km 2, AOO 8 km 2). It has two locations that are not under significant threat at present. It is a very localised butterfly, entirely dependent on a single host-plant, B. tessellata , which tends to occur near the tops of mountains. The plant itself is not red-listed, however the butterfly only occurs within a relatively small portion of the plant’s regional distribution (the extreme southern extent). Fires, climate change and exploitation are considered to pose plausible future threats to the plant and, consequently, to the butterfly. It therefore qualifies as Vulnerable under criterion D.

Change in status from SABCA: This species has always been considered a relatively rare habitat specialist. For the 2012 assessment it was considered to occupy a large area from Bedford in the southwest to Drakensberg Gardens in the northeast, with an EOO of about 20 000 km 2. For the current assessment, which was based on verified data, there are only two accepted locality-records, Gaika’s Kop and Bedford, and this would have also been valid for the previous assessment. There has been no change in threats since the previous assessment. Thus, previously it should have been assessed as Vulnerable, and thus the change in status from Least Concern to Vulnerable is non-genuine.

Threats: There do not appear to be any significant threats at present. Potential future threats include the vulnerability of the larval host plant, B. tessellata , to fire and to possible exploitation. As this plant is generally found near the tops of mountains, it may be vulnerable to climate change.

Conservation measures and research required: There do not appear to be significant threats at present. The species is entirely dependent on a single, relatively uncommon host plant B. tessellata . Excessive or unseasonal fires, commercial exploitation of the host plant, or the potential effects of climate change pose future threats.

Genus Platylesches Holland, 1896.

Platylesches dolomitica Henning & Henning, 1997 Spring Hopper ; Lente Springertjie

Jeremy C.H. Dobson & Chris M. Dobson

Type locality: South Africa: 30km south-east of Steelpoort, Lydenburg District , Mpumalanga, 8.ix.1995, A. Mayer .

Taxonomy: There are no notable issues.

Distribution: Endemic to Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North West and Limpopo provinces in South Africa, from Carltonville in the south-west to Lydenburg in the north-east.

Habitat: Found on relatively flat, sandy to rocky slopes where Parinari capensis occurs. The locations are typically north-facing, between an altitude of 1 300 m and 1 800 m. This species does not occur on hilltops and appears to avoid steep slopes.

Vegetation types: SVcb10 Gauteng Shale Mountain Bushveld, SVcb12 Central Sandy Bushveld , SVcb13 Loskop Mountain Bushveld , SVcb17 Waterberg Mountain Bushveld , SVcb9 Gold Reef Mountain Bushveld .

Assessment rationale: This is a relatively widespread endemic species in South Africa (EOO 16 406 km 2). It appears to be fairly resistant to overgrazing and drought. It closely resembles a very common species, Platylesches ayresii , which is almost always present at the same sites. As a result, it has historically been overlooked. More and more localities are being discovered in recent years and its extent of occurrence has increased significantly. The taxon thus qualifies globally under the IUCN criteria as Least Concern.

Change in status from SABCA: The status has not changed from the previous assessment.

Threats: The taxon is widespread and its larval host plant, P. capensis , is relatively resistant to drought, fire and overgrazing. There do not appear to be any significant threats at present.

Conservation measures and research required: Ongoing surveys should be undertaken to discover new localities for this taxon. More research is required to assess its life history, ecology, population numbers and distribution.

Genus Teniorhinus Holland, 1892

Teniorhinus harona (Westwood, 1881)

Orange Small Fox; Pylkop Oranjetjie

André J. Coetzer