Blue-spotted Charaxes
Common NameBlue-spotted Charaxes
Scientific NameCharaxes cithaeron
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyCharaxinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Primary Colorsblack, blue, white
HabitatCoastal forests, riverine forests, woodland
Geographic RangeSouthern and East Africa (South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya)
Host PlantsAcacia, Albizia, Pterocarpus, Dalbergia, Newtonia
Flight PeriodYear-round in warmer regions, with multiple broods
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with a distinctive horned head capsule, and pupae are green and suspended by the cremaster.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the iridescent blue spots on the dark forewings and the broad white or pale blue band on the hindwings. The underside is typically mottled brown, providing camouflage.
Description
A medium-large butterfly with dark brown to black wings, featuring prominent iridescent blue spots on the forewings and a broad, often scalloped, white to pale blue band across the hindwings.
