Table Mountain Beauty
Common NameTable Mountain Beauty
Scientific NameStygionympha vigilans
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsbrown, white, black
HabitatFynbos, montane grasslands, rocky slopes
Geographic RangeWestern Cape, South Africa
Host Plantsgrasses
Flight PeriodOctober to January
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on various grasses. Eggs are laid on host plants, and pupation typically occurs near the ground.
Identification TipsKey features include the broad, diagonal white band across the underside of the wings and the series of distinct black-and-white eyespots on the hindwing underside.
Description
This medium-sized butterfly has a brown underside with a distinctive broad white band running diagonally across both forewings and hindwings, featuring several prominent black eyespots ringed in white.
