Photo © Bob Chapman

Geranium Bronze

Cacyreus marshalli

Checklist Number
61.0081 [B&F: 1567a]

Verification
Record requires retention of specimen until confirmed, and may require dissection. Consult with CMR if unsure

Classification

Family:Lycaenidae
Subfamily:Polyommatinae
Genus:Cacyreus
Species:marshalli
Authority:Butler, 1897

Recorded infrequently through accidental importation in pelargoniums from South Africa. In Britain found rarely in gardens and parks, first found in East Sussex in 1997. Not recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight to date. Larva feeds on Geranium, causing sufficient damage to be a serious pest in some areas.