Bushveld Purple Tip
Common NameBushveld Purple Tip
Scientific NameColotis ione
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Primary Colorswhite, purple, black
HabitatSavanna, open woodlands, bushveld, riverine forests
Geographic RangeSouthern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini)
Host PlantsCapparis tomentosa, Capparis fascicularis, Maerua cafra
Flight PeriodAll year, peaking in warmer months
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are typically green, and pupae are green or brown, attached by a silken girdle.
Identification TipsEasily identified by the striking iridescent purple and black tips on the white forewings. Males typically have brighter purple tips than females.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with predominantly white wings, characterized by a prominent iridescent purple patch bordered by black on the apex of the forewings.
