62. Hypolycaena philippus philippus (Fabricius, 1793)

WL: 15mm. The species is typical of Guinea savanna. The nominate subspecies occurs throughout most of sub-Saharan Africa and in southern Arabia, except for mountainous and desert areas. Subspecies H. p. ramonza is found in Madagascar, the Seychelles and Comoro islands. The caterpillars are polyphagous and feed on several species of Olacaceae, Punicaceae, Rubiaceae, Sapindaceae, Verbenaceae, Fabaceae and Loranthaceae; they are often accompanied by Camponotus and Pheidole ants.

Studied material. Cacheu: Caió, 1 specimen (JB) . Gabú: Beli, 0 3.07.2009 1♂ 1♀ (BS 28867/28868) Quinara: Buba Tombo (PNLC), 16.07.2009 , 1♂ (BS 29929); Bacar Condé (PNLC), 17.07.2009 , 1♂ (BS 28928).

Previous references. Regions: Quinara, Tombali. Authors: Mendes et al. (2008).

Probable abundance and proposed status. AB: F; CS: LC.