African Joker
Common NameAfrican Joker
Scientific NameByblia ilithyia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyBiblidinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatSavannas, open woodlands, grasslands, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSub-Saharan Africa, Arabian Peninsula, India
Host PlantsTragia
Flight PeriodYear-round in warmer regions, peaking during rainy seasons
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants, larvae are spiny, and pupae are often cryptic, resembling twigs or dead leaves.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive bright orange and black pattern, especially the row of orange spots within the black forewing border. The underside is typically mottled brown for camouflage.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with vibrant orange wings heavily marked with black, featuring a broad black border on the forewings containing a series of orange spots.
