Window Acraea
Common NameWindow Acraea
Scientific NameAcraea encedon
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyAcraeinae
Wingspan (mm)47.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatOpen grasslands, savannas, forest edges, disturbed areas, gardens
Geographic RangeSub-Saharan Africa, including Madagascar and parts of the Arabian Peninsula
Host PlantsCommelina spp., Fleurya spp., Laportea spp., Boehmeria spp., Urtica spp.
Flight PeriodAll year round in tropical regions, with peaks during rainy seasons
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in clusters, larvae are spiny and feed on various nettle-like plants, and pupae are suspended. This species is well-known for its Müllerian mimicry complex.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive orange and black spotted pattern with prominent black veins. It often mimics other toxic *Acraea* species, particularly *Acraea zetes*.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with translucent orange wings heavily marked with numerous black spots and prominent black veins, and a dark body.
