Gaudy Commodore
Common NameGaudy Commodore
Scientific NameCatacroptera cloanthe
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Primary Colorspurple, orange, black, white
HabitatOpen grasslands, savannas, forest edges, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSub-Saharan Africa
Host PlantsBarleria, Ruellia, Justicia
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; spring to autumn in temperate zones
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are spiny caterpillars that feed on plants from the Acanthaceae family, pupating into a chrysalis before emerging as an adult.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive purplish-blue ground color, prominent orange bands, and black markings on the upperwings, combined with scalloped wing edges.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with striking purplish-blue wings featuring broad orange bands, intricate black patterns, and white spots along the scalloped margins.
