African Wood White
Common NameAfrican Wood White
Scientific NameLeptosia alcesta
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyDismorphiinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black, brown
HabitatForest edges, clearings, woodlands, gardens
Geographic RangeSub-Saharan Africa
Host PlantsRitchiea capparoides, Capparis species
Flight PeriodYear-round, peaking in rainy seasons
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. Larvae feed on host plants from the Capparaceae family.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, delicate white wings, a single prominent black spot on the forewing, and the distinctive mottled grey-brown pattern on the underside of the hindwing.
Description
A small, delicate white butterfly with a prominent black spot on the forewing and dark brown tips. The underside of the hindwing is mottled with grey-brown markings, providing camouflage.
