The Aslauga purpurascens complex of entomophagous butterflies (Lycaenidae)

The Aslauga purpurascens complex is revised and six species are recognized: purpurascens Holland, marshalli Butler (=purpurascens marginaria Talbot syn.n.), latifurca sp.n., orientalis sp.n., atrophifurca sp.n. and australis spn. All species are described and illustrated and keys provided for their identification. Characters used in previous studies and in the present study are discussed and the literature is reviewed. The biology of the species is discussed with special reference to the appetitive sexual behaviour of adult males and to possible hostspecificity in larval predation of membracids and coccids. The significance of the geographical distribution of the species is examined.