Commodore
Common NameCommodore
Scientific NamePrecis archesia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Primary Colorsdark brown, light brown, blue
HabitatOpen woodlands, savannas, grasslands, gardens, forest edges
Geographic RangeSub-Saharan Africa
Host PlantsPlectranthus spp., Coleus spp., Pycnostachys spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in warmer regions, otherwise seasonal with multiple broods
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are spiny, typically dark with lighter markings, and pupate into a chrysalis that can be green or brown.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive broad, light brown bands on a dark brown background, particularly the continuous band across the hindwing. The small blue spots on the forewing are also a key feature.
Description
This is a medium-sized butterfly with dark brown wings featuring prominent broad, lighter brown bands across both forewings and hindwings, and small iridescent blue markings near the forewing apex.
