Tropical Pentila
Common NameTropical Pentila
Scientific NamePentila tropicalis
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPoritiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatTropical forests, forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth
Geographic RangeWest and Central Africa, from Sierra Leone to Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania
Host Plantslichens, cyanobacteria
Flight PeriodYear-round in suitable tropical climates
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically flattened and myrmecophilous, feeding on lichens or cyanobacteria, often in association with ants.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its vibrant orange wings with scattered black spots and black antennae with white tips. Its small size and low, fluttering flight are also characteristic.
Description
This is a small, bright orange butterfly with numerous small, irregular black spots distributed across its upperwing surfaces. Its antennae are black with distinctive white tips.
