Natal Acraea
Common NameNatal Acraea
Scientific NameAcraea natalica
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatForest edges, open woodlands, savanna, gardens
Geographic RangeSouthern and East Africa (e.g., South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya)
Host PlantsAdenia gummifera, Basananthe sandersonii, Passiflora edulis
Flight PeriodYear-round in warmer regions, more abundant in summer months (September to May in Southern Africa)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are spiny and typically feed on various species of Passifloraceae. Pupae are suspended and often have a metallic sheen.
Identification TipsLook for the bright orange wings with prominent black spots and broad black borders, especially the black apex of the forewing. Its distribution is restricted to sub-Saharan Africa.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with vibrant orange wings heavily adorned with numerous black spots and distinct broad black margins on both forewings and hindwings.
