SOUTH AUSTRALIAN BUTTERFLIES

Lucia limbaria (Swainson)   (Small Copper)

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First instar larva of Lucia limbaria, immediately after emergence from egg.
Attended by a small black ant Iridomyrmex sp

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Final instar larva of Lucia limbaria, attended by small black ants Iridomyrmex sp. 
Larva is feeding on the foodplant Oxalis perennans

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Closeup of final instar larva of Lucia limbaria.
The head is to the right

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Pupae of Lucia limbaria, at different stages of development

Photography by L. Hunt