The ants and scale insects on which the critically endangered butterfly <i>Chrysoritis dicksoni<i> (Gabriel) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Aphnaeinae) depends for its survival

The relationship between the critically endangered butterfly Chrysoritis dicksoni (Gabriel), the ant Crematogaster peringueyi Emery and scale insects (Coccoidea) is discussed. The ants collect honeydew secretions from the scale insects and feed the butterfly larvae through trophallaxis. In this study the distribution of the ant nests was studied while the scale insects involved in this tritrophic relationship were collected from satellite nests of the ants and identified for the first time. Several scale insect species were found, all from the families Coccidae (soft scales), Pseudococcidae (mealy bugs) and Keriidae (lac scales). Steps were taken towards achieving formal conservation status for one of the two remaining sites where the butterfly is found.