Garden Acraea
Common NameGarden Acraea
Scientific NameAcraea horta
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, translucent green-grey
HabitatGardens, urban areas, open woodlands, forest edges, coastal bush
Geographic RangeSouthern Africa (South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Mozambique)
Host PlantsKiggelaria africana, Passiflora spp., Tacsonia spp.
Flight PeriodAll year round (more common in summer)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in clusters on host plants. Larvae are spiny, black with yellow stripes, and often gregarious in their early stages. Pupae are pale with black markings.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the bright orange and black coloration, the pattern of black spots on the wings, and the characteristic translucent, smoky grey-green outer margin of the hindwings.
Description
This butterfly features bright orange forewings with black spots and a black apex, complemented by orange hindwings with black spots and a distinctive translucent, smoky grey-green outer margin.
