Banded Gold Tip
Common NameBanded Gold Tip
Scientific NameColotis antevippe
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)47.5
Primary Colorswhite, black, yellow
HabitatSavanna, open woodlands, forest edges, gardens
Geographic RangeSub-Saharan Africa (from Senegal to Ethiopia, south to South Africa)
Host PlantsCapparis spp., Maerua spp., Cadaba spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical areas, seasonally in drier regions
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe lifecycle involves eggs laid on host plants, developing into green caterpillars that feed on leaves, then pupating into a chrysalis before emerging as an adult butterfly.
Identification TipsLook for the striking combination of white wings with a black forewing tip containing a prominent yellow band. The underside is generally plainer white with a faint yellow costal streak on the hindwing.
Description
This medium-sized butterfly has predominantly white wings, with the forewing apex marked by a broad black patch containing a distinctive bright yellow band. The underside of the hindwing is typically plain white with a subtle yellow streak along the costa.
