Elegant Acraea
Common NameElegant Acraea
Scientific NameAcraea anacreon
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyAcraeinae
Wingspan (mm)48
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatOpen grasslands, savannas, forest edges, often near streams and rivers.
Geographic RangeSouthern and East Africa, including South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Host PlantsBasananthe sandersonii, Basananthe zanzibarica
Flight PeriodThroughout the warmer months, typically September to May in Southern Africa, with multiple broods.
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are spiny and feed on specific host plants from the Passifloraceae family. Pupae are typically suspended and have a distinctive shape.
Identification TipsKey features include the bright orange ground color, the extensive black spotting on both forewings and hindwings, and the dark, slightly translucent apex of the forewings. The specific pattern of spots helps distinguish it from other similar Acraea species.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with vibrant orange wings heavily adorned with numerous black spots. The forewings feature dark brown to black tips that can appear somewhat translucent.
