Post by wollastoni on Oct 3, 2016 9:00:32 GMT
Cacyreus marshalli is a nice small invader.
This South-African Lycaenidae has invaded Europe about 20 years ago, brought by geranium trade.
It is very common in Southern Europe, and one of the commonest species inside big cities.
I have some everyyear in my terrace in Milano.
This is the caterpillar :
The chrysalid :
The aspect of geranium leaf attacked by Cacyreus marshalli :
They do not kill geraniums and seem to attack only the leaves.
This geranium is florishing year after year despite its bitten leaves, so I would say that Cacyreus marshalli is a very polite invader, and he is welcome on my terrace ! 
