Gardening for Butterflies

South Africa is home to many species of butterfly – nearly 700 – but many of those are not usually found in gardens. If you are fortunate to live close to the wild, some of the less familiar species will visit a garden for its nectar sources. Even the critically endangered Brenton Blue (Orachrysops niobe) from Brenton-on-Sea is known to visit gardens bordering on the reserve created to protect it.

Fortunately, there are several butterflies that are easy to attract to gardens, will put on a show if given the right habitat to live in, and whose caterpillars feed on easily grown plants.

This section covers 50 of the easiest-to-attract garden butterflies, with life histories and photographs of their favoured host plants. The female butterfly uses her sense of smell to detect host plants for egg-laying sites, and the stronger the smell of the correct plant, the more likely she is to lay. So it it advisable to grow these plants en masse in suitable places. Where the location of the host plant is important in inducing females to lay eggs, this is mentioned in the text.

Patience is the key to building a garden butterfly population. Some species are widespread and mobile and simply growing the right plant species is sufficient to attract them. Others are more specialized and may take time to arrive. And some are biome specialists, so if they are absent from your area you will not be able to attract them by planting their host plant.

The habits of butterflies and moths vary. Some, like Pansies and Commodores, are sun-loving and trusting, and tend to stay in one place. Others, like the diurnal Hawkmoths, Sapphires and Charaxes, tend to stay high up in the canopy and have to be enticed down with nectar or other inducements. The Acraeas tend to be gregarious and slow flying – they put on a good mass show, but if you hope to see that it is vital not to worry about the damage their numerous larvae do to their host plants!

In some countries, there are companies that breed the commoner butterflies commercially and sell the offspring to gardeners. However, such services are not available in South Africa. In fact, the conservation authorities do not support the export of butterflies from one area of South Africa to another, even the common ones. One reason for this is that our knowledge of population genetics is incomplete. There are indications that even common species live in discrete populations with little gene flow over wide areas.

However, there are no restrictions on swapping livestock with other enthusiasts, or on capturing common butterflies on waste ground, or in a friend’s garden, and inducing females to lay eggs in captivity. The species covered here are generally easy to rear. This will allow you to breed them for release in your garden and, if you have planted appropriately, they will proceed to colonize it.

One of South Africa’s most widespread species, the African Monarch is found in all biomes but most commonly on the eastern side of the country. It prefers open, sunny spaces. Its flight is slow and sailing with quite slow wingbeats. Its orange, black and white colouring serves to warn predators that it is distasteful.

African Monarch males (and other related species) are attracted to roughly cut plants of the genera Senecio or Heliotropium. The males imbibe the toxic, bitter-tasting alkaloids that the plants exude to discourage herbivores. These alkaloids are used by the butterfly to produce the distasteful chemicals that make them unpalatable to predators, as well as pheromones for attracting females. Females will lay eggs on host plants out in the open.

Upper side: Male wingspan 50–70mm; female 50–75mm. Male distinguished from the female by the extra large black spot in the lower half of the hind wing.

Underside: Similar to upper side but hind wing paler orange than the forewing; male’s extra hind wing spot has a white centre.

Pupa: 20–24mm long; may be pale green or pale pink.

Larva: 40–50mm long; conspicuous and easy to find but most are infested with internal parasitoid wasp or fly larvae that burst out just prior to pupation and kill them.

Egg: 1.4mm high, 0.9mm diameter; laid singly on young shoots of the host plants.

Larval host plants: Cottonbushes (Gomphocarpus (Asclepias) spp. including G. tomentosus) are the easiest host plants to cultivate but this butterfly’s larva uses many plants in the Apocynaceae. Other host plants are Carrion Flowers (Stapelia, Orbea spp.); Huernias (Huernia spp.); Asclepias spp.; Ceropegias (Ceropegia spp.); and Poison Dog-wort (Cynanchum obtusifolium).

This magnificently camouflaged butterfly is more widely distributed than people expect. Although a forest understorey insect, it has been found in the middle of the Karoo, the moist arid savanna, and close to Cape Town. It is most often found along the eastern escarpment and Indian Ocean coastal belt, but is quite common in Gauteng. Evening Brown is thought to disperse along rivers, and is likely to turn up almost anywhere there is riverine bush or thick woodland.

As the name suggests, it is a crepuscular (dusk or dawn) flier and may even be fully nocturnal, as it is sometimes attracted to lights.

It is a shade lover and seldom visits flowers, preferring fallen fruit and weeping tree sap; good for large gardens with plenty of shade.

Upper side: Male wingspan 58–65mm; female 63–72mm; sexes are similar; wet-season form has large eyespots; dry-season specimens have smaller eyespots.

Underside: Very effective dead-leaf camouflage; extent of dark markings greater in wet-season form.

Pupa: 18–22mm long; green with paler wing cases.

Larva: Up to 50mm long; well camouflaged and hence difficult to find; body variable shade of green; head shield varies from black to green with brown edges.

Egg: 0.9mm diameter; laid singly on grass leaves.

Larval host plants: Broad-leaved Bristle Grass (Setaria megaphylla) is a popular host plant in forest gardens. It is a handsome garden subject and does well in shady areas, although it can become invasive and take over the entire shaded area if not cut back regularly. Evening or Twilight Brown larvae feed on many other species of grass; those found in gardens include Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum), Forest Panicum (Panicum laticomum), Basket Grass (Oplismenus hirtellus) and Lamark’s Ehrharta (Ehrharta erecta).

This shade-loving butterfly occurs mostly in forests and in the Indian Ocean coastal belt, where it is found year-round. Numbers are greater after the rains, and the wet-season form is darker and with larger eyespots than the dry-season form.

Common Bush Browns fly low and slowly with a hesitant, bouncing motion, settling often. They jerkily open and close their wings. Both sexes will feed on flower nectar but they are even fonder of rotting fruit and leaking tree sap; they are also regular visitors to banana traps. Common Bush Browns can be numerous in gardens containing their host plants.

Upper side: Male wingspan 40–45mm; dry-season males are paler brown; female 43–48mm; females always have more pale suffusion at the forewing tip.

Underside: Male dry-season form has paler colour and smaller eyespots; female wet-season form has distinctive eyespots.

Pupa: Up to 18mm long; colour varies from green to buff and dark brown.

Larva: Up to 25mm long; very seldom seen. They spin a silken mat on a blade of grass and foray from that to feed. The best way to see them is to induce a female to lay eggs and then rear them in captivity, which is easy to do.

Egg: 1.1mm diameter, 0.9mm high; laid singly on grass leaves.

Larval host plants: Basket Grass (Oplismenus hirtellus) and Dwarf Forest Grass (Pseudechinolaena polystachya) are known host plants in the wild. In captivity, this butterfly’s larva will use Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) and Lamark’s Ehrharta (Ehrharta erecta). Basket Grass is a useful ground cover in subtropical gardens; it is shade tolerant and forms low-growing mats that seldom require mowing.

This is one of the few garden butterflies that are confined to the Fynbos and Nama-Karoo biomes. They are very seasonal, flying from late February to April and even May, hence their common name. They can be seen in their thousands flying on grassy slopes, where their natural host plants, wild hard grasses, grow. However, they have adapted to using the many imported grass species found in parks and gardens.

Although this butterfly does use nectar occasionally, it is best attracted by allowing the grass in part of your garden to grow long and rank.

There are two subspecies: D. c. clytus occurs from the Cape West Coast to Humansdorp, and the paler D. c. eurina, with bigger eyespots, is found from the Gamtoos River to the Great Kei.

Upper side: Wingspan 45–55mm; sexes are similar, the females being slightly smaller than males with paler upper sides.

Underside: Has dark wavy lines in addition to similar eyespots to those on the upper side.

Pupa: 15–20mm long; formed on the ground at the base of grass clumps.

Larva: Up to 32mm long; seldom seen, as it spends the day hiding in the base of grass clumps. Larvae take several months to feed up to full size.

Egg: 0.9mm diameter; the female rests on a grass stem and scatters eggs by flicking them from her abdomen.

Larval host plants: Bushman Grass (Stipa dregeana), Wire Grass (Merxmuellera stricta) and Coastal Buffalo Grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum). In parks and gardens this butterfly’s larva is often associated with dense mats of the invasive Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum), which the larvae happily accept as a food plant.

This butterfly is restricted to the subtropical forest and thicket biome on the east coast of the country. Like Garden Acraea, it has just one host plant, which is in the same family, Achariaceae. The larvae have a tendency to defoliate the plant, which is often cultivated, hence the butterfly occurring in gardens.

The male is one of the brightest red butterflies found in South Africa. Fresh individuals are very eye-catching, but after a short while the red fades; preserved specimens are usually a dull brick-red. A subtropical garden hosting a large population is a wonderful sight, as these butterflies are fond of nectar and will readily visit flowers. This butterfly has to be locally indigenous to be attracted to a garden.

Upper side: Male wingspan 45–48mm; bright fire-engine red in colour; female is on average larger (45–55mm); there are two colour morphs.

Underside: Typical Acraea pattern of black spots on a coloured ground; the female’s white forewing patch (visible in the photos) is repeated on her underside.

Pupa: 18–20mm long; hangs by the tail in large numbers on the host plant and on nearby plants, rocks and walls.

Larva: Up to 35mm long; younger larvae are yellow-brown to buff and gregarious.

Egg: 0.75mm diameter, 0.75mm high, laid in batches of up to 50; they change colour from pale yellow to yellow- or red-brown as the larvae develop within.

Larval host plant: African Dog-rose (Xylotheca kraussiana) is favoured by gardeners for its showy white flowers with conspicuous yellow centres. The Zululand form of the plant is usually a shrub 0.5 to 2m high, but south of the Tugela it may be a small tree 5–7m high. It prefers coastal gardens but will survive in most frost-free areas.

Perhaps our best-known garden butterfly. The red ground colour with black spots indicates that it is distasteful. Its larva extracts cyanide from the host plant and this carries through to the adult, which exudes it when injured or threatened. Generally found in the eastern and southern parts of South Africa, wherever its host plant is cultivated. In general, if it’s butterfly numbers you want, the Acraeas are the species to target!

Acraea larvae are known for defoliating their host plant, causing some gardeners to worry unnecessarily about the tree being harmed. The larvae eat the leaves and excrete the waste as nutrient-rich ‘frass’. In this way, the chemicals in the leaves are recycled faster than they would be through normal leaf fall and decomposition.

Upper side: Male wingspan 45–50mm; bright brick-red in colour; female is larger (49–53mm); ground colour is dark buff.

Underside: Pale ground colour with black spots, indicating that the butterfly is distasteful (the insect sequesters cyanide from the host plant as a larva and exudes it when injured or threatened).

Pupa: 18–20mm long; hang by the tail in large numbers on the host plant and on nearby plants, rocks and walls.

Larva: Up to 35mm long; younger larvae are yellow-brown to grey and are gregarious.

Egg: 0.75mm diameter, 0.75mm high; laid in batches of up to 50; they change colour from cream to dark brown as the larvae develop within.

Larval host plants: Main host plant Wild Peach (Kiggelaria africana) is a popular garden subject; an evergreen tree that can grow to 13m but usually does not grow beyond 4–6m; attractive foliage, dark green above and pale green below. The butterfly is also known to feed on certain members of the Passion Flower family (Passifloraceae).

This butterfly is found in subtropical areas in the east of South Africa and in warm, moist savanna. It flies low and slow, and is easily attracted to flowers. The Yellow-banded Acraea is not usually a garden specialist, but its host plants are common and easy to cultivate.

Both sexes are brightly marked in deep yellow on a jet-black ground, with red flashes at the base of the forewings.

Upper side: Male wingspan 38–44mm; sexes are similar, females on average larger, 40–45mm.

Underside: Attractive, brightly marked with prominent triangular yellow patches around the edge of the hind wing.

Pupa: Up to 18mm long; hang by the tail in large numbers on the host plant and on nearby plants.

Larva: Up to 27mm long; younger larvae are yellow-brown to buff and gregarious; young larvae shelter in a silken tent that they spin over their host plant.

Egg: 0.5mm diameter, 0.9mm high; laid in large batches; changes colour from pale watery, whitish yellow to pale dull yellow as the larva develops within.

Larval host plants: Triumfetta species; Small-fruit Bur (Triumfetta rhomboidea) is the best one to use in a garden. It can be propagated from seed and grows widely on waste ground over its home range. Burs are familiar to all who walk the lowveld and coastal bush, because their seeds adhere to clothing. They might seem unlikely garden subjects but their flowers are attractive to all butterflies. If cut back annually, they do not get spindly and die back.

As its larvae feed on a common and easily cultivated plant, this butterfly and its close relative Dusky-veined Acraea (Telchinia igola) are often seen in gardens. Dusky Acraea is found from the Eastern Cape to the Limpopo lowveld; Dusky-veined is confined to the coast and littoral of KwaZulu-Natal and in the Eastern Cape to East London.

Both sexes have paler patches on a dark ground and are polymorphic; markings vary from white through cream to deep red-ochre. Dusky-veined has red males and two female morphs, red and cream. The two species’ early stages are very similar.

Upper side: Male wingspan 45–55mm; sexes are similar; female on average larger, wingspan 53–60mm.

Underside: Markings similar to upper side but hind wing has fine black stripes radiating from the base.

Pupa: Up to 18mm long; hangs by the tail on the host plant.

Larva: Younger larvae are gregarious, found in large groups on their host plant; fully grown larvae up to 35mm long, may be solitary but often found in mixed groups with younger specimens.

Egg: 0.6mm diameter, 0.9mm high; laid in large batches; changes colour from pale watery yellow to deep yellow as the larva develops within.

Larval host plants: This species uses several members of the Nettle family, Urticaceae. Tree Nettle (Obetia tenax) is used but the more gardener-friendly host plant is Climbing Urera (Urera trinervis). Its flowers are small and inconspicuous but are attractive to insects. The plant is a fast-growing climber that will cover quite large trees if not kept in check by pruning.

Like Dusky Acraea, White-barred Acraea is found from the Eastern Cape to the Limpopo lowveld. Its orange form fulva is easily mistaken for a small African Monarch, and it is a good example of Müllerian mimicry. Unlike the more familiar Batesian mimicry, in which palatable species have evolved to resemble distasteful ones, in Müllerian mimicry distasteful species evolve to look alike. This is probably natural selection at work. If Batesian mimics’ numbers become too numerous the effect of their models on predators is diluted and the deterrent effect of the warning coloration becomes less effective. So as unpalatable species evolve to look alike, it increases the chances that a predator attacking one will get a nasty lesson.

Both sexes are polymorphic; markings vary from white through cream to deep red-ochre. The males are territorial and are often found defending high points and prominent plants.

Upper side: Male wingspan 40–50mm; sexes similar; females on average larger, 53–60mm.

Underside: Similar markings to upper side; usually paler ground colour.

Pupa: Up to 20mm long; hangs by the tail on the host plant or nearby vegetation.

Larva: Young larvae are gregarious, found in large groups on their host plant; fully grown larvae up to 33mm long.

Egg: 0.5mm diameter, 0.75mm high; laid in large batches; colour changes from pale watery yellow to deep yellow as the larva develops.

Larval host plants: Commelinas are widespread, low-growing ground-cover plants that favour wet ground. The small yellow or blue flowers dot the dense growth of pointed leaves. They make an attractive ground cover and where they grow in profusion this species can be very common.

Leopard butterflies are so called because they have dark spots against a tawny background. The African Leopard is the commonest of the three species found in South Africa and is the only widespread one; the others are specialized forest butterflies. These insects are rapid flying and wary, seldom sitting still, and they favour wet, muddy stream banks. They sip flower nectar.

These butterflies are particularly known for the way they move their wings up and down when sitting. Many Nymphalid butterflies do this ‘pumping’, but the African Leopard ‘pumps’ particularly energetically! They are found almost all over the eastern part of South Africa, being absent from only the highest, coldest areas.

Upper side: Male wingspan 45–55mm; sexes are similar, females on average larger, 43–48mm, and slightly paler.

Underside: Violet suffusion varies and is often absent.

Pupa: Up to 16mm long; attached by its tail to the host plant or nearby vegetation; colour extremely variable, from green to yellow-brown or even black, but the silvery marks are seldom absent.

Larva: Young larva dark, spiny; found singly, not gregarious, so not easily spotted; fully grown larva up to 26mm long; great variation in colour from pink through brown to grey.

Egg: 0.7mm diameter, 0.8mm high, laid singly; colour changes from pale yellow to a deeper, warmer colour as the larva develops within.

Larval host plants: Larvae feed on a wide variety of plants, mainly Flacourtiaceae and Salicaceae. In addition to indigenous willows, such as Cape Willow (Salix mucronata), this species uses Apricot Sourberry (Dovyalis zeyheri), White Poplar (Populus alba) and Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica). Relatives of Apricot Sourberry, such as Governors-plum (Flacourtia indica), are also used.

Charaxes are among the largest butterflies in South Africa and are physically the most robust. Very strong, high fliers, they usually keep to the forest canopy. Pearl Charaxes is one of the more easily observed species; its combination of bright orange-tawny and pearly white make it a wonderful sight as it flashes across the deep green forest. Its underside mimics a dead leaf; no two are exactly alike and they vary from plain brown to being covered in dark mottling.

It is one of the few Charaxes attracted to flowers, usually those whose nectar ferments, such as Strelitzia. Sap leaking from wounded trees, fallen fruit, faeces, and dead animals also attract it. This butterfly is found all along the south and east coasts from Mossel Bay eastwards, and in the lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

Upper side: Male wingspan 65–70mm; sexes are similar, females larger, 70–90mm, and slightly paler.

Underside: Very effective dead leaf mimic; no two are alike

Pupa: Up to 28mm long; hangs by its tail from a leaf or twig; the colour is consistently green, making it very difficult to spot.

Larva: Young larva plain green, which is good for camouflage; fully grown larva up to 50mm long; horned head shield typical of Charaxes; pale dorsal blotches help break up its outline and hide it from predators.

Egg: 1.5mm diameter, 1.25mm high; laid singly; changes colour from pale green to deep yellow with a red-brown top.

Larval host plants: Allophylus (False-currants) spp.: A. natalensis (Dune), A. africanus (African) and A. dregeanus (Simple-leaved). Searsia (Rhus) spp.: S. laevigata (Dune), S. longispina (Spiny).

Like Pearl Charaxes, Green-veined has orange-tawny colouring but the inner part of the wing upper side is cream, not white, and each hindwing carries two tails, not one. The green structural veins in the forewing are very noticeable when the wings are at rest. More of a canopy dweller than the Pearl, but shares its fondness for fallen fruit and animal dung. It is found in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, across the drier savanna areas of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, to Gauteng and North West.

Upper side: Male wingspan 65–75mm; sexes similar; females larger, 78–95mm; females’ tails are equal in length, whereas in males the tail closer to the body is longer.

Underside: Markings vary from plain red-brown in dry-season specimens to heavily mottled in wet-season ones.

Pupa: Up to 26mm long; hangs by its tail from a leaf or twig; white patches on a green ground help it blend into the background.

Larva: Young larva has plain green body, which is good for camouflage; fully grown larva up to 50mm long; horned head shield typical of Charaxes; pale warts and blotches make it very hard to spot on the leaves of the host plant, which are often covered in small, pale glands.

Egg: 1.5mm diameter, 1.4mm high; laid singly; changes from pale green to deep yellow with a red-brown ring and mottling.

Larval host plants: The genus Croton, found in a wide variety of habitats towards the east of South Africa. In this country, C. gratissimus (Lavender Croton) and C. sylvaticus (Forest Croton) are good garden subjects.

This is the only locally indigenous Charaxes likely to be found in gardens in the Fynbos and Karoo biomes. Protea Charaxes is closely related to, and resembles, the widespread Foxy Charaxes (C. jasius saturnus), which is common in savanna but is not much of a garden butterfly. It shares that butterfly’s habit of frequenting prominent hilltops in open country, so providing a real or artificial hilltop is a good way to attract them. Protea Charaxes is an attractive insect and its host plants make great garden subjects. This butterfly does not have well-defined seasonal forms. In Fynbos and Karoo the butterflies one can attract to a garden are at a premium, so it is worth growing the host plants if you live in this butterfly’s range.

Upper side: Male wingspan 60–70mm; the sexes are similar, females larger, 65–75mm.

Underside: Attractively marked in white and maroon on a silver-grey background.

Pupa: Up to 30mm long; hangs by its tail from a leaf or twig; the colour is very close to that of the host plant’s leaves.

Larva: Young larva has plain green body, making for good camouflage; fully grown larva up to 50mm long; horned head shield typical of Charaxes; its shape makes it look just like a seed pod of the host plant. Larvae are easy to find on the plants in areas where the butterflies fly.

Egg: Typical Charaxes egg; 1.6mm in diameter, 1.6mm high, laid singly, darkening from pale cream to pale buff with a purple-brown ring.

Larval host plants: Sweetwood Bush (Rafnia amplexicaulis) plant and flowers, and Coastal Tannin-bush (Osyris compressa) plant and flowers. Larvae feed on several widespread Fynbos and Karoo plants. Three-flower Rafnia (Rafnia triflora), Tannin-bush (Osyris lanceolata) and Red Choice (Hypocalyptus sophoroides) are also used.

Satyr Charaxes is one of the smaller members of the Charaxinae subfamily, and is a member of the large ‘Black Charaxes’ group that is found all over Africa. The males in this group are confusingly similar but the females can usually be told apart. Satyr Charaxes, however, has several female colour and pattern morphs, which makes identification difficult. It is the only local Charaxes to use Flat-crown Albizia (Albizia adianthifolia), a common garden tree in subtropical areas of South Africa. This butterfly is found in the eastern coastal belt and the lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo. Males are canopy dwellers but females are often found close to their host plant; both sexes come readily to fermenting fruit bait-traps.

Upper side: Male wingspan 45–50mm; female 50–63mm; nominate has whitish forewing, others have cream-pink or blue forewing bands.

Underside: Dark grey to brown with wavy black lines; female has pale bands corresponding to those on upper side.

Pupa: Up to 23mm long, hangs by its tail from a leaf or twig. The green coloration makes it very hard to find.

Larva: Fully grown larva up to 40mm long; horned head shield typical of Charaxes; the cream chevron-shaped dorsal marks break up the larva’s outline when it rests on its host plant’s compound leaves.

Egg: 1.4mm diameter, 1.3mm high; laid singly.

Larval host plants: The flowers of Flat-crown Albizia (Albizia adianthifolia) attract nectar-feeding butterflies. Satyr Charaxes has been recorded feeding on other trees, such as Weeping Wattle (Peltophorum africanum), elsewhere in Africa, but in South Africa Albizia adianthifolia is the only host plant used.

This species used to be confined to the subtropical east coast and northern escarpment and savanna. In the last 10 years, however, it has spread rapidly, colonizing cities as far afield as Cape Town and Gauteng. This is possibly a consequence of municipalities planting indigenous trees and choosing the host plants, Trichilia spp. It is a greedy feeder on fermenting fruit and has been known to invade peoples’ wine glasses at a braai. It does not have well-defined seasonal forms.

Upper side: Male wingspan 60–75mm; sexes are similar; females larger, wings broader, 75–90mm.

Underside: Similar to Protea Charaxes but more orange in ground colour.

Pupa: Up to 26mm long, hangs by its tail from a leaf or twig. The ‘squared-off’ abdomen is unique to this species.

Larva: Fully grown larva up to 52mm long; horned head shield typical of Charaxes. Like other larvae of the genus, it spins a silken pad on which to rest; this can become conspicuous in wet misty conditions, making them easier to find.

Egg: 1.6mm diameter, 1.6mm high; laid singly; darkens from pale cream to pale buff with a purple-brown ring.

Larval host plants: Larvae feed on several common trees, including Natal Mahogany (Trichilia emetica), Cape Ash (Ekebergia capensis), Splendid Honeysuckle-tree (Turraea floribunda) and Triangle-tops (Blighia unijugata), and it has even been recorded using the exotic Syringa (Melia azedarach).

This small butterfly can be extremely common along the eastern escarpment and Indian Ocean coastal belt, and under the right conditions it can occur in thousands. Boisduval’s Tree Nymph has only two local host plants, both of which are easy to grow in frost-free areas. Like the Charaxes, it is fond of fermenting fruit and tree sap, and seldom visits flowers. It has the habit of resting on the bark of trees, head downwards, hence its common name. These butterflies often spend the dry season resting in large swarms, dispersing after the rains.

Upper side: Male wingspan 35–40mm; female 38–45mm.

Underside: Paler than upper side; hind wing has pattern of dark spots and wavy lines.

Pupa: Up to 13mm long; hangs by its tail from a leaf or twig; colour is very variable, from brown to green.

Larva: Fully grown up to 22mm; gregarious, individuals from different egg masses often found together.

Egg: 0.6mm diameter, 0.6mm high; laid in large batches.

Larval host plants: Duiker-berry (Sclerocroton integerrimus), a small to medium-sized tree with attractive foliage and semi-weeping habit, and Jumping Seed-tree (Shiriakiopsis elliptica), which is known for the way the seeds sometimes jump as moth larvae move about inside them.

A large attractive butterfly found all over Africa, into the Far East, and is an introduced species as far as Central America. Males are active and conspicuous; their black upper sides with white blotches ringed with iridescent deep blue are lovely to look at. They are fond of nectar as well as being inveterate hilltoppers; restless, seldom settling for long, energetically ‘pumping’ their wings. The female is one of the best-known mimics of the African Monarch. One way to tell her apart is her ‘jizz’; she is more alert and nervous than a Monarch and has straight, erect antennae, not downcurved, lax ones. She also has only one black spot on the leading edge of the hind wing underside; both sexes of African Monarch have more than one. So, if you see an African Monarch with white hind wings, chances are it is a female Common Diadem.

Upper side: Male wingspan 60–65mm; female 70–80mm.

Underside: Female underside resembles upper side; male has golden brown ground colour with large white band on hind wing

Pupa: Up to 25mm long; hangs by its tail from a leaf or twig.

Larva: Up to 50mm; appears conspicuous in photographs but is shy and hides away; difficult to find in the wild.

Egg: 0.7mm diameter, 0.6mm high; laid singly on young shoots of the host plant.

Larval host plants: Creeping Foxglove (Asystasia gangetica) is an attractive plant that can become invasive if not controlled. Wild Purslane (Portulaca quadrifida) is a common weed, sometimes grown as a salad green.

This is one of the largest and most conspicuous butterflies found in the eastern coastal belt and lowveld. It is fond of forest edges and riverine bush, where its host plants grow, and can be very common in nearby gardens. Adults overwinter in large numbers, which may be seen on warm winter days and at the beginning of spring, in mature gardens containing large trees and lots of shady undergrowth. Half a dozen specimens chasing each other around a garden clearing is an inspiring sight, their iridescent upper sides flashing in the sun. Males perch out in the open, sallying forth to chase away all intruders.

Upper side: Male wingspan 55–68mm; sexes similar; female 65–75mm.

Underside: Green and leaf-like, to the extent of having a fake ‘mid-rib’.

Pupa: Up to 30mm long, typical of its subfamily and its resemblance to that of Common Diadem shows how closely related the two species are – despite the large difference in the adults’ appearance.

Larva: Young larvae have light transverse bands, which become darker with age; fully grown larva up to 56mm.

Egg: 1.1mm diameter, 1mm high; laid singly on young shoots of host plants.

Larval host plants: Phaulopsis imbricata is a good ground cover in shady places, and should be cultivated more often than it is. Dicliptera heterostegia is a forest understorey plant that can withstand bright sun and has attractive flowers and foliage. The larva also uses Creeping Foxglove (Asystasia gangetica), and, like this plant, Dicliptera heterostegia can get out of control if not cut back heavily at the beginning of winter.

A widespread butterfly that is found in all areas except the most arid Karoo, and even then may turn up wherever its host plants are grown. It has recently spread to the Western Cape as a result of gardeners planting species such as Bush Violet (Barleria obtusa), and its larvae have been recorded feeding on a wide range of plants in the Acanthaceae. Yellow Pansy is most often seen in savanna and grasslands, but may also be found along the coast and in forests. Like the Commodores, it is a trusting, sun-loving insect that is often found in gardens. Once having taken up residence, individuals may persist for some time. Although wet-season individuals tend to be darker than those seen in the dry season, this species does not share the seasonal dimorphism of Commodores.

Upper side: Male wingspan 40–45mm; female 40–50mm.

Underside: The colour varies with the seasons, from pale to dark.

Pupa: Up to 20mm long; attached by its tail to a leaf or stem, dull coloured and well camouflaged.

Larva: Up to 42mm.

Egg: 0.6mm diameter, 0.6mm high; laid singly on young shoots of the host plants.

Larval host plants: Bush Violet (Barleria obtusa), a rambling plant that makes a good ground cover, and has a long flowering period. Ribbon Bush (Hypoestes aristata), a sun-loving plant that makes a good herbaceous border subject; its prolific flowers are loved especially by butterfly species. Yellow Pansy larvae will use a wide variety of flowering Acanthaceae including Justicia, Dyschoriste and Dicliptera.

Gaudy Commodore is a medium-sized, very colourful and attractive butterfly. Its main claim to fame is its extreme seasonal dimorphism; so much so that the summer and winter forms were once thought to be separate species. The two even behave differently. The blue winter (dry-season) form sesamus hides itself away under stream banks and heavy vegetation, emerging on warm days to feed on nectar and visit hilltops. The orange summer (wet-season) form natalensis is an active, trusting species usually found in the open, especially on hilltops. Both forms tend to sit with wings open, gently fanning them up and down. They are found across the eastern part of South Africa, in the subtropical belt, savanna and up into the moist mountain grasslands. They are also found further north in Africa, including the forested zones.

Upper side: Male wingspan 50–60mm; within each form the sexes are similar; female 55–63mm.

Underside: Wet-season form underside resembles upper side. Dry-season form underside very dark green-grey with fine black lines. Appears black from a distance.

Pupa: Up to 25mm long; attached by its tail to a leaf or twig, appears conspicuous but is actually well camouflaged.

Larva: Up to 46mm.

Egg: 0.8mm diameter, 0.6mm high; laid singly on young shoots of host plants.

Larval host plants: Long-spiked Spur-Flower (Plectranthus spicatus) is the preferred dry-area host plant; African Potato (Plectranthus esculentus), a perennial growing in dry savanna and forest edges; the larva is known to feed on several other Plectranthus species too. Blue Boys (Pycnostachys urticifolia) is a very attractive species with conspicuous flowers, worthy of cultivation.

Garden Commodore is closely related to Gaudy Commodore; it is not as brightly coloured but is even more of a garden insect. Its alternative common name is Garden Inspector. This butterfly is fond of sunny clearings and banks, and will sit feeding for hours on nectar, or just sunning itself, wings held open. More widely distributed than Gaudy Commodore, it is found all over the eastern half of South Africa, being absent only from the highest, coldest areas and grasslands. Along with Yellow Pansy and Painted Lady, it is one of the butterflies most often seen on the Highveld. Like its relatives, it overwinters as an adult and the dry-season forms spend cold days hiding in dense vegetation. Garden Commodore is found all the way up the eastern part of Africa as far as Sudan.

Upper side: Male wingspan 45–50mm; female 50–60mm.

Underside: Wet-season form underside resembles upper side. Dry-season form grey-green with fine black lines and paler stripes corresponding to the upper side discal bands.

Pupa: Up to 25mm long; attached by its tail to a leaf or twig, appears conspicuous but is actually well camouflaged.

Larva: Up to 46mm.

Egg: 0.8mm diameter, 0.6mm high; laid singly on young shoots of the host plants.

Larval host plants: Dark-blue Spur-flower (Plectranthus hereroensis), a very good garden subject, is a versatile plant that can tolerate sun or shade and withstands dry conditions well. Garden Commodore has been observed laying on many members of the genus Plectranthus, including exotic species.

This is a widespread and well-loved Pansy, whose range does not spread quite as far west as that of Yellow Pansy. However, it is heading that way – a specimen was recently found in the Richtersveld. Although fond of gardens, it is a ‘wilder’ insect, being found more often on hilltops where the males’ fearless, aggressive behaviour is fun to watch – they will chase anything away, big Charaxes, even birds! Like Yellow Pansy, it often sits sunning itself on open ground, fanning its wings. A favourite host plant is Creeping Foxglove (Asystasia gangetica), a rapid-growing ground cover sold by nurseries, that is being planted more often across the country and may be aiding the Blue Pansy’s spread. Creeping Foxglove is also used by other attractive butterflies, such as the Common Diadem.

Upper side: Male wingspan 40–45mm; female 40–50mm.

Underside: The colour varies with the seasons, from pale to dark.

Pupa: Up to 20mm long; attached by its tail to a leaf or stem, dull coloured and well camouflaged.

Larva: Up to 42mm.

Egg: 0.65mm diameter, 0.7mm high; laid singly or in pairs on young shoots of the host plants.

Larval host plants: Butterfly Joy (Dyschoriste depressa) is a low-growing, weedy plant that can be mown low to form a mat; it is an unprepossessing species but worth cultivating as all the Pansy species’ caterpillars love it. Yellow Justicia (Justicia flava) is a bushveld species that tolerates sun and shade, and an attractive little plant. Like Yellow Pansy, Blue Pansy uses a wide variety of flowering Acanthaceae.

Painted Lady is the butterfly one can rely on to turn up in any garden in South Africa. It is extremely common and widespread and is found in all biomes at all altitudes. This is one of the first butterflies seen in spring; August specimens can be seen guzzling nectar from Buddleja shrubs in the Drakensberg while there is still snow on the ground. They are active, sun-loving insects that fly quite close to the ground and sit sunning themselves for long periods.

This species is strongly migratory, and, although its stronghold appears to be the inland savanna areas, it also disperses to the wetter coastal areas. Painted Lady larvae feed on a large variety of plants in the Daisy (Asteraceae) family, including many well-loved garden plants, and the invasive prickly Scotch Thistle (Cirsium vulgare).

Upper side: Male wingspan 40–45mm, female 45–50mm.

Underside: Forewing resembles upper side; hind wing has marbled pattern in shades of white, buff and brown.

Pupa: Up to 22mm long; attaches by its tail to a leaf or stem, dull coloured and well camouflaged.

Larva: Up to 30mm; colour variable.

Egg: 0.6mm diameter, 0.7mm high; laid singly on leaves of the host plants.

Larval host plants: Gazania species attract Painted Ladies. They are great garden subjects that withstand a wide range of climatic conditions and are valued for their colourful flowers. Namaqualand Gousblom (Arctotis fastuosa) is one of the vast range of daisy host plants used by this species, as well as Namaqualand Daisies in the genus Dimorphotheca.

Hairstreaks are small butterflies with long tails on their hind wings. The name comes from the fine dark lines on the underside. Like many in this family, this butterfly’s hind wing tails are situated at the end corner of the wing, where small circular extensions are folded over, resembling eyes. The ‘hair streaks’ on the underside of the hind wings lead the eye to the tails and ‘eyes’, tempting predators to aim for the wing, which can withstand a bite, instead of the vulnerable head.

What Purple-brown Hairstreak lacks in size it makes up for in charm and attitude. Males seek prominent bushes around open spaces, and sit with wings half open, waiting for females, or for other butterflies to chase. Females are found on flowers or close to the host plants, where they select the softest young shoots on which to lay their eggs.

With its wide habitat tolerance, it is found over most of the eastern part of South Africa.

Upper side: Male wingspan 22–28mm; female 24–31mm.

Underside: The common name ‘Hairstreak’ comes from the thin dark lines on the underside

Pupa: Up to 10mm long; attaches by the tail and a silken girdle to a leaf or stem, its green colour offers superb camouflage.

Larva: Up to 18mm; has ‘slug-like’ shape typical of Lycaenidae.

Egg: 0.6mm diameter, 0.25mm high; laid singly or in small groups.

Larval host plants: Smooth Tinderwood (Clerodendrum glabrum) is a hardy shrub or small tree occurring from moist coastal bush to semi-arid savanna. It is a great nectar plant and a good substitute for the invasive Cherry Pie (Lantana camara). Velvet Wild-medlar (Vangueria infausta) is another good nectar plant that is found in dry, rocky savanna; its large, edible fruits make it a good garden subject.

At least one of these three closely related species is found in any South African garden. They are grouped here because their early stages and host plants are alike. These species feed on Crassulaceae, mainly Cotyledon, Crassula and Kalanchoe.

Low-flying little butterflies, they perch on the ground or on low vegetation, showing the prominent black spot at the lower corner of the forewings. The males are territorial and create little ‘kingdoms’ around prominent plants, chasing away intruders. Their sedentary habits make them good garden butterflies.

Upper side: Cape Black-eye (L. lara) male wingspan 20–29mm, female 23–31mm; rounded wings and coppery upper side set it apart; found in the Fynbos and Karoo areas and dry grasslands. Common Black-eye (L. gorgias) male wingspan 18–29mm, female 25–32mm; more pointed wings and mauve upper side basal flush set it apart; found in eastern coastal belt, into the subtropical lowveld and northern savanna. Henning’s Black-eye (L. henningi) male lacks the mauve sheen but has pointed wings.

Underside: L. henningi and L. gorgias females are difficult to tell apart; they have rounded wings and plain brown upper sides.

Pupa: Up to 11mm long; attaches by the tail and a silken girdle to the base of a leaf.

Larva: Up to 17mm (L. henningi, L. gorgias) or 14.5mm (L. lara); it burrows into the leaves of its host plant, betraying itself by producing large amounts of black frass.

Egg: 0.75–0.9mm diameter, 0.25–0.45mm high; laid singly on the leaf, often at the base.

Larval host plants: Pig’s Ears (Cotyledon orbiculata) is an easy garden plant that is used by all three species of Black-eye. Crassula alba is a larval food for these butterflies and is also a good nectar plant.

Some male Playboys are brightly coloured, others dull. Many, like Orange-barred, are red or orange, but the commonest and most widespread is the dull Brown Playboy. It is absent only from the coldest grasslands and most arid Karoo. Orange-barred Playboy is less widespread; restricted to the east coastal belt and the lowveld. The females are similarly marked; Brown Playboy female is more brightly coloured than the male, having pale blue discal patches. Playboys’ larvae are seed feeders. The species’ eggs, larvae and pupae are very similar to one another.

Brown Playboy has a vast range of host plants; The Orange-barred Playboy uses some of the same plants but a smaller selection of them. Males congregate on hilltops but will also choose any prominent plant as a perch from which to defend their territory. Females are found around flowers or the host plants.

Upper side: Brown Playboy male wingspan 22–34mm; female 22–40mm. Orange-barred male wingspan 26–36mm; female 29–41mm.

Underside: The two species are similar; grey to brown with patterns of darker lines.

Pupa: Up to 13mm long; attaches by the tail and a silken girdle to the inside of the seed pod, or to debris.

Larva: Up to 20mm; normally not seen but its presence is betrayed by black or red-brown frass coming from a hole bored in the fruit or seed pod.

Egg: 0.8mm diameter, 0.5mm high; laid singly or in pairs on a pod or at the junction of a fruit and its stalk.

Larval host plants: Brown Playboy host plants include invasive alien Balloon Vine (Cardiospermum grandiflorum) and Karoo Boer-bean (Schotia afra). Pride-of-De Kaap Bauhinia (Bauhinia galpinii) is used by Brown and Orange-Barred.

Common Fig-tree Blue is one of South Africa’s most spectacular small butterflies, and it is an easy-to-attract garden species. Its larvae feed on a wide variety of figs including the alien Tickey Creeper or Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila). Common Fig-tree Blue can be a confiding insect, easily approached once you’ve won its confidence. The males go to hilltops but also like a prominent bush or shrub on a forest edge to use as a perching spot, which is easy to replicate in a garden. Females are found on flowers or near figs. Even small fig bushes are used; they seem to prefer the fresh shoots and growing points.

The tails ‘scissor’ in flight, giving the impression of ‘walking’ through the air. Both sexes readily pose with wings open, offering photo opportunities. It is widespread; subspecies silenus occurs in savanna and forest up the eastern side of South Africa, subspecies penningtoni is found in succulent Karoo.

Upper side: Male wingspan 26–30mm, female 33–41mm.

Underside: Gives good camouflage when the insect is sitting among dry, dead leaves.

Pupa: Up to 15mm long, attaches by the tail and a silken girdle to a dry leaf or bark crevice. Several may be found among dead leaves piled up in the crotch of fig tree branches.

Larva: Up to 22mm; markings constant as it gets larger through the moults. Larvae are often attended by small black ants; this is normal and no cause for alarm.

Egg: 1mm diameter, 0.6mm high; laid singly or in pairs on a bud or shoot.

Larval host plants: Fig-tree Blues love Red-leafed Fig (Ficus ingens), the well-known ‘rocksplitter fig’ of highveld and savanna krantzes. Broom-cluster Fig (Ficus sur) and the Veld Fig (Ficus burtt-davyi) are the preferred trees in coastal and frost-free areas.

Natal Bar is found in a wide range of habitats, including arid to moist savanna, forest edges and grassland, and the Indian Ocean coastal belt. It has a wide range of larval host plants, including some common aliens. The males are extremely pugnacious and territorial, choosing any prominent plant, shrub or rock to use as a perching post from which they attack other butterflies. They frequent hilltops and will inhabit the canopy of tall trees.

Both sexes are strongly attracted to flowers and will sit quietly nectaring for half an hour or more. This butterfly’s underside is very attractive when viewed close-up, the bands glittering when they catch the sun. It is seasonally variable, winter specimens on the coast being very dark on the upper sides.

Upper side: Male wingspan 25–33mm, female 27–35mm.

Underside: Cream with dark bands.

Pupa: Up to 14mm long; attaches by the tail and a silken girdle to (usually) a dry leaf or twig.

Larva: Up to 26mm; seldom seen, as they hide inside rolled up leaves and in the joints of twigs. They are strongly ant-associated and specimens are usually attended by Cocktail (Crematogaster) ants.

Egg: 0.85mm diameter, 0.5mm high; laid singly or in pairs on a bud or shoot.

Larval host plants: Smooth Tinderwood (Clerodendrum glabrum) and Cork-bush (Mundulea sericea).

Eastern Scarlet is another small, pugnacious butterfly whose males defend territories from low bushes or prominent twigs on trees. They are found in many habitats across the eastern and northern parts of South Africa – the Indian Ocean coastal belt, savanna and forest edges – and into the more arid zones, wherever the host plants grow.

The conspicuous males are usually easy to approach and habituate to the point where close-up photography is possible. Females, with their spotted upper sides, are easily mistaken for some of the related Copper butterflies. Both sexes are fond of nectar, of which the host plant’s flowers are a good source.

Upper side: Male wingspan 24–32mm, female 25–34mm.

Underside: Deep red-brown to orange; resembling a dead leaf.

Pupa: Up to 12mm long; forms inside the shelter created by the larva.

Larva: Up to 21mm; like Natal Bar, they create shelters from leaves and bark crevices. They are strongly ant-associated and specimens are usually attended by Cocktail (Crematogaster) ants.

Egg: 0.9mm diameter, 0.5mm high; laid in small clusters on a bud or shoot, or in sand near the plant.

Larval host plants: Vachellia (Acacia) trees are good subjects for large gardens, although they are relatively short-lived. They bear copious nectar-bearing flowers that attract butterflies, and their foliage supports some species’ larvae. Occasionally Weeping Wattle (Peltophorum africanum) is also used.

Common Hairtail is a small, very widespread butterfly that is only absent from the dry Karoo areas and high, cold grasslands. Its larva has a very wide ‘host plant spectrum’ and feeds on many garden plants, including exotics, and has even been known to feed on roses. Males vigorously defend their territories from perches on large bushes or shrubs; they are, however, often found with the females on flowers. The sexes’ appearance is very different. The male’s upper side appears black in some lights but is actually a deep iridescent blue. Females are much paler with black spots on a pale blue ground.

Hairtails are fond of drinking from wet sand and mud, so it is worth watching the soil after watering it. Their flight is rapid and buzzing, but not as frenetic as that of the Bars and Scarlets.

Upper side: Male wingspan 21–22mm, female 24–29mm.

Underside: Grey ground-colour with pattern of fine darker lines; female has white-cream bands.

Pupa: Up to 10mm long; forms on leaves or stems of the host plants.

Larva: Up to 15mm; they hide among leaf shoots, where their diagonally striped bodies blend in well. They are usually attended by ants.

Egg: 0.5mm diameter, 0.3mm high; laid singly on a bud or shoot.

Larval host plants: Tree Crassula (Crassula arborescens) and Wild Plum (Harpephyllum caffrum), which is a good subject for a large garden. In addition to being a food source for this butterfly species and several species of moth, the female trees fruit heavily, attracting birds.

Even more widespread than Common Hairtail, Black-Striped is found wherever Senagalia and Vachellia grow, from the moist east coast areas to very arid bush. The males tend to fly lower down and thus are more easily seen than Common Hairtail. They are, however, equally aggressive and will chase away butterflies that are larger than themselves.

Both sexes are very fond of nectar, especially that of their host plants. Large numbers may be seen when conditions are optimal, and they are usually confiding insects, easy to approach closely. It is not difficult to observe the females laying eggs on fresh shoots of the host plants. The larvae are quite easy to find, giving children a good opportunity to see ant-associated species close up.

Upper side: Male wingspan 21–26mm, female 23–29mm.

Underside: Forewing has black stripe in ‘armpit’, hence the common name.

Pupa: Up to 12mm long; forms on a stem or in leaves close to where the larva lived.

Larva: Up to 17mm; they feed on terminal shoots, where their diagonally striped bodies blend in well with the tightly packed compound leaves. They are usually attended by ants.

Egg: 0.5mm diameter, 0.3mm high; laid singly on a bud or shoot.

Larval host plants: Any Senegalia or Vachellia (Acacia) will attract this species. Scented-pod (V. nilotica) is a small to medium-sized tree, usually single-stemmed with branches forming a mushroom shape.

This small butterfly’s association with Geranium and Pelargonium plants has taken it a long way. Although native to South Africa, it has been introduced to Spain, and has now become a severe pest in Europe, even reaching the UK.

In South Africa, this insect never does serious damage to garden plants. In fact, most gardeners don’t know it is there until they see the adult butterflies because the larvae burrow into stems and are well camouflaged. Despite the dull coloration, this is an attractive species; the underside is beautifully patterned. They fly low and slowly, and seldom move far from host plants. Like hairtails, they are attracted to mud puddles, and are often seen nectaring on flowers. There are two similar species: Dickson’s Geranium Bronze (C. dicksoni) from Fynbos and Karoo has a metallic bronze upper side; Water Geranium Bronze (C. fracta fracta) from Fynbos, Karoo and montane streams is purple (male) or brown with blue patches (female). If present nearby, they may come to the garden, as they use the same host plants as Common Geranium Bronze.

Upper side: male wingspan 15–23mm; female very similar, wingspan 24–27mm.

Underside: Attractively marbled with brown, black and white.

Pupa: Up to 9mm long; formed among leaf debris or in a stem hollowed out by the larva.

Larva: Up to 13mm. When young, they burrow into flower buds and eat the contents; older larvae eat the whole flower or move onto the leaves. If the plant has pithy stems, they bore into them.

Egg: 0.5mm diameter, 0.3mm high; laid singly on a bud, leaf or shoot.

Larval host plants: Pelargonium and Geranium species.

Pies are tiny butterflies whose common name is derived from their spotted or ‘pied’ appearance. There are three species occurring in South Africa, two of which are found widely.

Black Pie is most often seen, across the eastern side of South Africa in coastal areas, savanna and forests. It is found in grasslands where Dwarf Buffalo Thorn (Ziziphus zeyheriana) grows, and subspecies griqua is found along the Vaal and Orange rivers into arid savanna and Karoo areas. Adults congregate around the host plants, feeding on their nectar and that of nearby flowers. The males are often found on wet sand or mud in the heat of the day.

White Pie (Tuxentius calice) is found in the more northern parts of the country and is very similar; they are told apart by differences in the hindwing underside spot pattern.

Upper side: Male wingspan 19–24mm; female very similar, wingspan 23–25mm.

Underside: White with black spots, giving them the common name ‘Pierrot’ in some parts of the world.

Pupa: Up to 8mm long; attaches to a leaf or twig of the host plant.

Larva: Fully grown larva; up to 12mm; they eat the fleshy underside of the leaves only, and leave characteristic furrows in them.

Egg: 0.6mm diameter, 0.3mm high; laid singly on a bud, leaf or shoot.

Larval host plants: Almost exclusively associated with Buffalo Thorn plants (Ziziphus spp.), although there are reports of them using Vachellia. Z. mucronata is a small to medium-sized tree that does well in full sun and has attractive, shiny foliage.

This is actually a complex of four species that are impossible to tell apart with the naked eye: Common Zebra Blue (Leptotes pirithous); Babault’s Zebra Blue (L. babaulti); Short-toothed Zebra Blue (L. brevidentatus) and Jeannel’s Zebra Blue (L. jeanneli). Common Zebra Blue is by far the most widespread and is best known for using Plumbago as host plant; the others are known to use various Fabaceae as host plants (such as Vigna, Rhynchosia, and Indigofera spp.), although, confusingly, so does the Common Zebra Blue. So one is never sure which Zebra Blue one is looking at.

These butterflies are absent only from the most arid areas of the Karoo and Bushmanland. They appear wherever Plumbago is found and it is not rare to see dozens flying around a fairly small plant. They seldom move far from their food source and it is easy to observe mating and egg-laying in the garden.

Upper side: Male wingspan 21–29mm; female 24–30mm.

Underside: The name ‘Zebra Blue’ comes from the pattern of dark stripes on a lighter ground-colour.

Pupa: Up to 10mm long; formed among leaves or debris.

Larva: Up to 15mm; they feed on the flowers, seed pods and terminal shoots of the host plant, and are very well camouflaged.

Egg: 0.5mm diameter, 0.3mm high; laid singly on a bud or shoot.

Larval host plants: Leadwort (Plumbago auriculata), one of Africa’s favourite garden subjects, can form a small shrub, rambler or hedge. It is particularly attractive when grown with Cape Honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis) – they form a thick bank of vegetation and the flowers’ colours complement one another. Cape Honeysuckle also attracts butterflies to its nectar-rich flowers.

A group of five small blues, all of which feed as larvae on Vachellia or Senegalia. Topaz Babul Blue (A. jesous) is probably the most widespread, followed by Black-bordered (A. moriqua), as they are found in almost all biomes, even the driest Desert and Karoo, where they are found along watercourses. Pale and Natal Babul Blues (A. mirza and A. natalensis, respectively) are found along the east coastal belt and inland savanna. Velvet-spotted Babul Blue (A. ubaldus) occurs mostly in drier areas. They are similar to one another but can be told apart by comparing, using a field guide, their hindwing underside patterns. For gardening purposes, it is best to treat them as one, because their habits are so similar.

These butterflies have a rapid fluttering flight and usually keep quite close to their host plants. They can be numerous and form a cloud around suitable trees. All species are fond of wet sand and mud, and are attracted to flower nectar.

Upper side: Natal Babul Blue male wingspan 23–27mm; female 24–30mm. Topaz Babul Blue male wingspan 17–26mm; female 22–28mm. Black-bordered Babul Blue male wingspan 19–24mm; female 19–25mm.

Underside: All Babul Blues have a pattern of brown or black stripes and spots on a pale ground-colour; there are small but consistent differences between the species’ markings that allow them to be told apart.

Pupa: Topaz Babul Blue up to 9mm long; formed among leaves.

Larva: Up to 12mm; they feed on the terminal shoots of the host plant, and are well camouflaged.

Egg: 0.5mm diameter, 0.25mm high; laid singly on a flower bud or shoot.

Larval host plants: Vachellia (Acacia) species in general. Sweet Thorn (Vachellia karroo) is a small to medium-sized tree with sweetly scented flowers, particularly suited to gardens.

Pea Blue (known as Long-tailed Blue in Europe) is one of the world’s most widespread butterflies, found from South Africa northwards to the UK, and east to Arabia, south Asia and Australia. It is absent only from deserts and even then will be found in oases where peas and beans are grown. It can be a pest on legumes because its larvae bore into the pods and eat the seeds. Gardeners tend to forgive this, because this butterfly is pretty and easy to watch.

Adults are fond of nectar-bearing flowers, and males often come to wet sand and mud. Males are territorial and will choose a perch on a prominent rock or plant, and chase away all comers. The flight is fast and jinking, but they always return to the same perch. The duller-coloured females are found close to the host plants.

Upper side: Male wingspan 24–32mm; female 24–34mm.

Underside: Distinctive; fawn with pale parallel lines and a conspicuous white stripe down the edge of each wing.

Pupa: Up to 13mm long; formed under a leaf, in debris, or a hollowed out pod.

Larva: Up to 20mm; they feed on the flowers, seed pods and terminal shoots of the host plant, and on a vast range of legumes (Fabaceae).

Egg: 0.5mm diameter, 0.3mm high; laid singly on a bud or shoot.

Larval host plants: Many Fabaceae, including Pioneer Rattle-pod (Crotalaria natalitia), whose foliage is also used by several moths, and September Bush (Polygala myrtifolia), which is a good plant for fynbos gardens as it is indigenous to that biome. Polygalas are popular because of their beautiful flowers and long blooming season.

This butterfly is familiar to most gardeners because its host plants are commonly found in suburban lawns. Some gardeners see these plants as pests, but in a butterfly garden their presence should be tolerated in order to attract this charming little insect. It has a very wide spectrum of host plants, feeding on several exotic plants such as Lucerne (Medicago sativa).

Both sexes spend their time fluttering slowly above the grass, feeding on nectar from small flowers (including those of the host plants), mating, and laying eggs. There are a few other small, low-flying blues that can be mistaken for this species, including the Clover Blue and Tiny Grass Blue, but these can be told apart by comparing the spot patterns on their undersides, using a field guide.

Upper side: Male wingspan 18–23mm; female 21–26mm.

Underside: Grey with a pattern of small black dots.

Pupa: Up to 8mm long; formed among debris at the base of the plant.

Larva: Up to 11mm; they feed on seed pods and growing shoots, and are attended by ants.

Egg: 0.5mm diameter, 0.25mm high; laid singly or in pairs on a flower bud or shoot.

Larval host plants: Devil Thorn (Tribulus terrestris) is not a popular plant, due to the sharply thorned seeds that can lodge in bare feet, but it is appreciated by this species. Its most common host plant, Creeping Woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata), is regarded as a weed.

This butterfly is native to the arid areas to the north and west of the country. It is one of South Africa’s most familiar butterflies due to its almost annual burst migrations. These migrations probably occur because of overpopulation of the home range. Their population crashes during the regular droughts in these areas, and so does that of their predators. After good rains the host plants’ foliage grows quickly, providing abundant food for the larvae of the few survivors of the drought. They can go through several generations in a few short months; the predators breed more slowly, so cannot catch up and the result is a geometric population growth. Huge numbers – billions – of butterflies eventually emerge. The migration can be seen as a safety valve; overcrowding probably stimulates the growth of larger migratory forms, which instinctively fly away from the home range.

These are not ‘Cabbage Whites’, and are not pests. The true European Cabbage White (Pieris brassicae) occurs in South Africa as an imported alien.

Upper side: Male wingspan 40–45mm; female 42–50mm.

Underside: The brown veins that give it its common name are easy to see.

Pupa: Up to 20mm long, formed on a leaf or twig.

Larva: Up to 25mm.

Egg: 0.5mm diameter, 0.9mm high; laid in clusters of 20–50 on leaves of the host plant.

Larval host plants: Shepherd’s-tree (Boscia albitrunca) and other Boscia species, as well as other members of the Caper family. These species are hosts for many other ‘white’ butterflies, so it is worth cultivating these plants if you have a garden in or near the Kalahari.

This species is a recent addition to South Africa’s butterfly list. It was first noticed in Durban in 1983, became established in Cape Town in the early 1990s and spread north along the east and west coasts, even penetrating the Karoo.

Gardeners who grow cruciferous (Brassicaceae) plants such as cabbage would rather not see this butterfly in their gardens, as its larvae are capable of destroying their crops. However, it also feeds on plants more valued for their flowers, especially Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus). It is an attractive insect, though, so some will put up with its depredations in order to have another butterfly species in their garden. This is possibly because garden butterflies are at a premium in the Western Cape, where it is most common.

This butterfly has a powerful, fluttering flight and is very fond of nectar, especially that of Asteraceae. Several indigenous white South African butterflies are confused with it; notably the Brown-veined White (p.74) and the Meadow White (Pontia helice), which also uses Brassicaceae.

Underside: The hind wing appears to be pale green but it is an optical illusion created by thousands of tiny black scales on a pale cream ground-colour.

Larval host plants: A vast range of Brassicaceae; also uses plants in the Caper family. One of these, Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), is an attractive, non-invasive garden plant.

This is another strongly migratory species, found all over Africa and liable to take up residence wherever its host plants grow. It is a very strong flier, and in the right conditions its numbers can rival those of the Brown-veined White in a migration. They are usually found migrating in a north-easterly direction, but are likely to be found anywhere. They overwinter as adults and may be found searching for roosting sites.

Males are always pale greenish-white; females can be the same colour, or shades of yellow varying from pale cream to bright yellow. Both sexes are fond of flowers, particularly red ones. Females seem to be able to recognise yellow leaves that match their wings, possibly for purposes of camouflage. The males are often seen in large numbers on mud puddles.

This species has probably become more prevalent in South Africa due to the presence of the invasive intracontinental alien Peanut-butter Cassia (Senna didymobotrya), which is used extensively as host plant.

Upper side: Male wingspan 54–60mm; female 55–66mm.

Underside: Resembles upper side, with a fine pattern of lines that makes them look like watered silk.

Pupa: Up to 32mm long; formed on a leaf or stem.

Larva: Up to 47mm; very well camouflaged with counter-shading.

Egg: 0.4mm diameter, 1.6mm high; laid singly on leaves.

Larval host plants: The introduced invasive Peanut-butter Cassia (Senna didymobotrya) as well as indigenous Senna species.

Also known as Lucerne Butterfly, this species used to be regarded as a pest of Lucerne (Medicago sativa), but in recent years it has become less common – probably as a result of insecticide use. However, it is still possible to see these butterflies flying low and erratically over a field of Lucerne.

Although a fast flyer that sometimes migrates, this butterfly seldom wanders far from concentrations of its host plant. It is therefore worthwhile, if you have the space, to grow a patch of Lucerne to attract them. They are active, brightly coloured insects that will reward your efforts, and occur even in areas that are low in butterfly numbers, such as in Fynbos and Karoo.

The sexes are different in appearance; females have pale spots in the dark wing borders, while males are plain black. There is also a form of the female in which the orange ground-colour is replaced by greyish white.

Upper side: Male wingspan 35–40mm; female 32–40mm.

Underside: Like the Cabbage White, its hind wing gives the impression of being coloured green.

Pupa: Up to 23mm long; formed on a leaf or in debris at the base of the plant.

Larva: Up to 30mm.

Egg: 0.4mm diameter, 1.6mm high; laid singly on leaves.

Larval host plants: In addition to Lucerne (Medicago sativa), the larvae have been known to feed on wild Indigofera plants, as well as wild and cultivated Clovers (Trifolium spp.).

Probably Africa’s most widespread large butterfly, Citrus Swallowtail, also known as Orange Dog, is attracted to red flowers. Blooming Cape Honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis) or a red cultivar of Bougainvillea can attract dozens. Like all swallowtails, they seldom land, but hover with fluttering wings whilst nectaring.

‘Swallowtail’ may seem a misnomer, as it lacks the long hindwing tails that give the group its common name. However, this is the case for many in the Papilio genus.

The eggs and larvae are easy to find on any Citrus tree, and make a much better way to teach children about Lepidoptera life histories than silkworms. If you wish to reduce the effect on your Citrus trees, plant their wild relatives, indigenous Rutaceae such as those given here or for Green-banded Swallowtail. These plants will increase the numbers of Citrus Swallowtails in your garden and might also attract other swallowtail species.

Upper side: Male wingspan 100–120mm; sexes similar; female 110–130mm.

Underside: Resembles upper side.

Pupa: Up to 36mm long; hangs from a twig or branch.

Larva: Up to 40mm; young larvae resemble bird-droppings, which probably offers protection against being eaten.

Egg: 1.3mm diameter, 1.1mm high; laid singly on leaves.

Larval host plants: Citrus spp., as well as indigenous Rutaceae, including Cape Chestnut (Calodendrum capense) and Small Knobwood (Zanthoxylum capense).

Another showy species, another tailless ‘swallowtail’; this species is not as widespread as Citrus Swallowtail, being commonest in the east coast region and lowveld. In recent years it has invaded Gauteng, probably because the man-made forest environment suits its habitat preferences. Green-banded Swallowtail is the largest common butterfly in South Africa and, with its blue or green colouring, is a marvellous sight as it hovers in front of red flowers.

Like all swallowtails, it has a powerful direct flight when moving from point to point, but fluttering when feeding, drinking or egg-laying. These butterflies hardly ever sit still, making them a challenge to photograph!

The males are attracted to wet sand and mud; like many butterflies, they prefer it when it has been soaked in natural salts. This can be achieved by sprinkling a little urine on it or a dusting of bone meal.

Upper side: Male wingspan 75–90mm; female 85–95mm.

Underside: Male is black with a white stripe bordering the hind wing; female is brown marbled with lilac and grey.

Pupa: Up to 30mm long; hangs from a twig or branch.

Larva: Up to 32mm.

Egg: 1.2mm diameter, 0.9mm high; laid singly on leaves; coloured marks indicate that the egg is fertile and the larva is developing inside.

Larval host plants: The butterflies prefer to lay on indigenous Rutaceae. Horsewood (Clausena anisata) is a small tree or shrub that tolerates shade. The larvae will use other Rutaceae such as cultivated Citrus, White Ironwood (Vepris lanceolata) and Cape-chestnut (Calodendrum capense).

Swordtails are the cousins of swallowtails, and their name is derived from the long, sword-shaped tails on their hind wings. However, like the two swallowtails covered previously, this species is tailless!

All swordtails’ larvae use plants in the custard-apple family Annonaceae. Veined Swordtail uses a very wide range of plants in this family. Other swordtails tend to be confined to one or other biome, but Veined Swordtail is found in savanna and the east coastal zone, from East London up into the Limpopo lowveld. The males tend to congregate around hilltops and tall trees and can swarm on wet sand and mud; both sexes are fond of nectar. The flight is rapid and direct, and they seldom sit still.

Upper side: Male wingspan 75–80mm; sexes similar; female 75–85mm.

Underside: Resembles upper side.

Pupa: Up to 33mm long; hangs from a twig or branch.

Larva: Up to 45mm.

Egg: 1mm diameter, 0.8mm high; laid singly on leaves, but more than one female may lay in the same place.

Larval host plants: Plants in the Custard-apple family, including African Custard-apple (Annona senegalensis), a small deciduous tree with attractive flowers and edible fruit, used by five species of swordtail. Forest Dwaba-berry (Monanthotaxis caffra) is a shade-tolerant, scrambling creeper or shrub with attractive shiny foliage. Sometimes available from specialist nurserymen, it is worth cultivating because it is used by all swordtails.

Policemen are skipper butterflies; they have robust bodies and are rather ‘moth-like’. South Africa has six species and this is the most widespread, because its larvae can use a wide range of plants. They are called ‘policemen’ because of the way the males follow a ‘beat’ around their territory. Striped Policeman is special in that the males scent-mark their territorial bounds rather like a dog does; it is the only butterfly known to do this. It has a wide range and is found in east coastal bush, forest, and savanna areas.

Its flight is rapid and ‘skipping’; males patrol territories from bush to bush and are often found on hilltops. The females are found close to the host plants. Both sexes are fond of nectar.

Skipper larvae all have the habit of creating shelters for themselves by stitching leaves together with silken threads. The pupae are usually formed inside these shelters.

Upper side: Male wingspan 42–55mm; sexes similar; female 55–64mm.

Underside: Hind wing carries a broad white stripe, hence common name.

Pupa: Up to 23mm long; covered in white powder and formed in a larval shelter.

Larva: Up to 40mm.

Egg: About 0.8mm diameter; laid singly on leaf surface.

Larval host plants: This species has several host plants. The best garden subject is Hiccup-nut Bushwillow (Combretum bracteosum), a scrambling climber or small tree with masses of orange to red flowers on dense spiky clusters. It is a good garden subject in warmer areas. It also uses Lesser Mothfruit Creeper (Sphedamnocarpus pruriens), a delicate climber with yellow flowers, which is also used by the Two-Pip Policeman (Coeliades pisistratus).

Nightfighters are crepuscular butterflies, which means they fly at dawn and dusk. They are members of the moth-like ‘skipper’ family and, like moths, they may be attracted to lights. There are three species in South Africa, all of whose larvae feed on commonly cultivated garden plants. Strelitzia (or Banana-tree) Nightfighter is found along the east coastal belt from Port Alfred to Mozambique. Until recently, the Banana-tree name seemed to be a misnomer, but it has been found using cultivated banana (Musa × paradisiaca) in Durban.

Strelitzia Nightfighters have a buzzing flight, usually around the host plant, or hovering around night-blooming flowers. Often the bright white antennae are all that can be seen. They never fly in the bright light of day, but may be seen flying on dull, overcast days and are often confused with hawk moths of the family Sphingidae. Occasionally they are found flying around lights. The larvae are more often seen than the adults due to the prominent shelters they make for themselves.

Upper side: Male wingspan 42–55mm; sexes similar; female 55–64mm.

Underside: Flat brown colour.

Pupa: Up to 32mm long; covered in white powder and formed in a larval shelter.

Larvae: Up to 65mm; lives inside prominent triangular shelter made by stitching leaves together.

Egg: About 1mm diameter; laid singly on leaf undersurface.

Host plants: Its preferred larval host plant is Coastal Strelitzia (Strelitzia nicolai), an unmistakable tall herbaceous plant that is a popular garden subject on the east coast, hence the species’ presence in gardens. It is sometimes found on Bird-of-paradise flower (Strelitzia reginae), a popular accent plant that resists frost.

Palm-tree Nightfighter is the most widespread of the group, possibly due to the popularity of its host plant as a garden subject. Originally an east coast and lowveld insect, it is now found all along the south coast to Cape Town, and has recently been found in Gauteng. It is uncertain whether the butterfly has dispersed to these new haunts, or whether it was introduced via infested plants.

Like Strelitzia Nightfighter, it is crepuscular and only seen on the wing at dusk. They are sometimes seen on warm summer evenings hovering over flowers, seeking nectar. Occasionally they come to lights. These butterflies spend the days hiding among leaves of the host plant. Males are territorial around the host plant and chase other crepuscular insects, with their wings making a characteristic humming or clapping sound. Both sexes have extremely rapid flight, their wings a blur of motion.

Upper side: Male wingspan 40–49mm; female 45–52mm.

Underside: At rest, females can be told from males by the white streak running along the centre of the hind wing underside.

Pupa: Up to 27mm long; covered in white powder and formed in a larval shelter.

Larva: Up to 46mm, lives inside shelter made from two or more palm leaflets stitched together.

Egg: About 1mm diameter; laid singly on leaf surface.

Larval host plants: Wild Date-palm (Phoenix reclinata) is a larval food plant for Palm-tree Nightfighter larvae. It is a large, graceful plant with feather-shaped shiny leaves made up of blade-shaped leaflets.

The most brightly coloured nightfighter, this butterfly is found in the east coastal belt and the Mpumalanga and Limpopo lowveld. Like the other nightfighters, it is often seen in gardens because its larval host plant is a popular accent plant. It is crepuscular but may be seen flying on dull, warm days. Males defend territories around the host plants, perching on tree trunks and chasing away intruders. They often visit flowers in the dusk, their wings buzzing loudly. In the daytime they rest in deep shady places, under leaves or on bark. They may also visit lights at night. The larvae are easy to find on the host plant and rearing them to adulthood can be a rewarding exercise.

Upper side: Male wingspan 40–49mm; sexes similar; female 45–52mm.

Underside: Distinctive attractive marbled underside with white patch in the middle of the hind wing.

Pupa: Up to 31mm long; covered in white powder and formed in a larval shelter.

Larva: Up to 50mm; lives inside shelter made by rolling up a whole leaf to form a tube.

Egg: About 1mm diameter; laid singly on leaf undersurface.

Larval host plants: Large-leaved Dragon-tree (Dracaena aletriformis) is a larval food plant. Landscapers like it because it adds form and texture, and it can stand being planted in full sun, but it needs to be growing in an area of deep forest shade to attract these butterflies.

The swifts are a group of 11 brown day-flying butterflies found mainly on the eastern side of South Africa. Some are rare and localised, but Long-horned Swift is the most common and one of the most widespread. However, telling swifts apart is not easy and requires a good field guide or even a collection of pinned examples for comparison.

They are easy butterflies to attract to a garden because their larvae feed on a range of indigenous grasses. The adults, unlike their relatives the nightfighters, are diurnal insects that are very visible. Males form territories in open areas, perching on a prominent leaf or twig and sallying forth rapidly to chase away intruders. Their antics can be fascinating to watch.

Both sexes are attracted to nectar, and often spend long periods basking in the sun, their wings in the typical skipper posture of forewings at 90^o, hindwings at 180^o.

Upper side: Male wingspan 33–42mm; sexes similar; female 40–43mm.

Underside: Hind wing has paler grey-brown patch in the centre.

Pupa: Up to 32mm long; formed in a larval shelter.

Larva: Up to 39mm; lives inside shelter made by rolling up a grass leaf to form a tube, and emerging to eat away the edge from far end.

Egg: About 0.6mm; laid singly on leaf surface.

Larval host plants: A range of indigenous grasses, including Broad-leaved Bristle Grass (Setaria megaphylla), used by swifts as well as several other butterflies. This perennial grass can tolerate shade and sun. Its leaves are attractive, and the seed heads attract small seed-eating birds.

This small skipper is widespread across the southern and eastern sides of South Africa, being locally very common. Its larva feeds on a wide range of grasses, probably explaining the size of the area in which it is found. It is a common garden resident, and is attracted to long grass, even feeding on Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum).

These butterflies are difficult to follow when they are in flight because they are small and fast-flying. Both sexes are often found nectaring on flowers, and males come to mud puddles. Males also establish territories in patches of grass, perching on low vegetation and chasing away intruders.

The sexes are similar, and males are quite variable. Most have dull khaki-green upper sides, but some have streaks of golden coloration. There is a rare similar species, Marsh Hottentot (Gegenes hottentota), whose male is almost totally golden above with a prominent black patch on the forewing.

Upper side: Male wingspan 31–34mm; female 29–35mm.

Underside: Worn specimens are dull ochreous grey, but fresh ones are bright yellow

Pupa: Up to 16mm long; formed in a larval shelter.

Larva: Up to 32mm; lives inside shelter made by rolling up a grass leaf to form a tube.

Egg: 0.6mm diameter; laid singly on leaf surface.

Larval host plants: A wide range of grasses. Carpet Grass (Trichopteryx dregeana) is a creeping perennial grass that is found in wet grassland and in the shade of trees. It is not usually a popular garden plant, but is useful in erosion control on steep slopes. Marsh Hottentot will use other grass species, but it appears to favour this one in the wild.

CHAPTER 3

GARDEN TREASURES

GARDEN BUTTERFLIES

AFRICAN MONARCH

EVENING (TWILIGHT) BROWN

COMMON BUSH BROWN

CAPE AUTUMN WIDOW

BLOOD-RED ACRAEA

GARDEN ACRAEA

YELLOW-BANDED ACRAEA

DUSKY ACRAEA

WHITE-BARRED ACRAEA

AFRICAN LEOPARD

PEARL CHARAXES

GREEN-VEINED CHARAXES

PROTEA CHARAXES

SATYR CHARAXES

WHITE-BARRED CHARAXES

BOISDUVAL’S TREE NYMPH

COMMON DIADEM

COMMON MOTHER-OF-PEARL

YELLOW PANSY

GAUDY COMMODORE

GARDEN COMMODORE

BLUE PANSY

PAINTED LADY

PURPLE-BROWN HAIRSTREAK

BLACK-EYES

BROWN AND ORANGE-BARRED PLAYBOYS

COMMON FIG-TREE BLUE

NATAL BAR

EASTERN SCARLET

COMMON HAIRTAIL

BLACK-STRIPED HAIRTAIL

COMMON GERANIUM BRONZE

BLACK PIE

ZEBRA BLUES

BABUL BLUES

PEA BLUE

AFRICAN GRASS BLUE

BROWN-VEINED WHITE

LARGE (CABBAGE) WHITE

AFRICAN (COMMON) VAGRANT

AFRICAN CLOUDED YELLOW

CITRUS SWALLOWTAIL

GREEN-BANDED SWALLOWTAIL

VEINED SWORDTAIL

STRIPED POLICEMAN

STRELITZIA NIGHTFIGHTER

PALM-TREE NIGHTFIGHTER

BUSH NIGHTFIGHTER

LONG-HORNED SWIFT

COMMON HOTTENTOT