Alaena margaritacea

[2] It is endemic to South Africa, where it is only known from grassy slopes adjoining Afromontane forest in the Haenertsburg area of Limpopo near the Wolkberg mountain range.

It is under severe threat from alien tree plantations as only two colonies are known to exist.

Adults are on wing from late December to early January.

[2] The larvae feed on species of cyanobacteria.

Intriguing female behaviour has been observed recently, possibly related to attracting mates or keeping ants away from a food source.