Banded Commodore
Common NameBanded Commodore
Scientific NameCatacroptera cloare
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Primary Colorsblack, orange, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, savannas, forest edges, gardens
Geographic RangeSub-Saharan Africa
Host PlantsAsystasia, Ruellia
Flight PeriodYear-round in warmer regions, seasonal in others
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; eggs are laid singly, caterpillars are spiny and feed on host plants, pupation occurs as a chrysalis.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the striking broad orange bands on a dark background, which often appear continuous across both wings when at rest with wings open. White spots are visible near the forewing apex.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown to black wings featuring prominent, broad orange bands across both forewings and hindwings, complemented by white spots near the wing margins.
