African Meadow White
Common NameAfrican Meadow White
Scientific NamePontia helice
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, fynbos, karoo, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSouthern Africa (South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe)
Host PlantsHeliophila spp., Lepidium spp., Sisymbrium capense
Flight PeriodYear-round in warmer regions, peaking spring to autumn
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on various Brassicaceae host plants. Larvae are green with yellow stripes and pupate on or near the host plant. Multiple generations occur annually.
Identification TipsLook for its white wings with distinct dark brown/black markings, including a prominent discal spot on the forewing. The underside of the hindwing often shows a characteristic pattern of dark veins on a pale background, though not visible in this dorsal view.
Description
A medium-sized white butterfly with a dark body and antennae. Its wings are predominantly white with prominent dark brown to black spots and blotches, particularly on the forewing tips and along the outer margins.
