Rüppell's Dotted Border
Common NameRüppell's Dotted Border
Scientific NameColotis ruppelii
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Primary Colorsorange, white, black
HabitatSavanna, open woodlands, shrubland, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern and Southern Africa (e.g., Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa)
Host PlantsMaerua, Cadaba, Capparis, Boscia
Flight PeriodYear-round, peaking after rains
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are green with a pale lateral stripe. Pupae are typically green or brown and attached to a stem or leaf.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive orange patch on the forewing, the black apex, and the 'dotted border' of small black spots on the underside of the hindwing.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with white hindwings and forewings, featuring a prominent orange patch on the upper forewing and a black apex. The underside is typically paler with small black spots along the margins.
