ant-heap white
Common Nameant-heap white
Scientific NameLeptosia alcesta
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorswhite, yellow, orange
HabitatForest edges, clearings, woodlands, gardens, and open areas
Geographic RangeSub-Saharan Africa
Host PlantsCapparis tomentosa, Capparis fascicularis, Maerua cafra
Flight PeriodYear-round in warmer parts of its range
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are green with a pale lateral stripe, feeding on leaves. Pupation occurs as a chrysalis.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, pure white wings (often with a subtle yellow/orange basal patch on the underside of the hindwings), and characteristic weak, fluttering flight close to the ground.
Description
A small, delicate white butterfly with rounded wings, often displaying a pale yellow or orange wash at the base of the hindwings on the underside.
