White-barred Emperor
Common NameWhite-barred Emperor
Scientific NameCharaxes brutus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyCharaxinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Primary Colorsorange, white, brown, black, blue
HabitatForest edges, riverine forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeSub-Saharan Africa
Host PlantsPiliostigma thonningii, Afzelia quanzensis, Brachystegia spiciformis, Dalbergia nitidula, Entada abyssinica, Pterocarpus angolensis
Flight PeriodYear-round (multiple broods)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with a rough texture and a distinctive horned head capsule. Pupae are green and suspended by the cremaster.
Identification TipsKey features include the prominent white transverse bands on the underside of both forewings and hindwings, the reddish-brown and orange ground color, and the two short tails on each hindwing.
Description
A medium-to-large butterfly with a striking underside pattern of broad white bands bordered by black, set against a rich reddish-brown and orange background, featuring black spots and blue submarginal markings on the hindwings.
