Butterflies of
Africa
Beautiful Forester
Euphaedra sarcoptera
BUTLER, 1871
Family - NYMPHALIDAE
subfamily -
LIMENITIDINAE
Tribe - ADOLIADINI
Euphaedra
sarcoptera, male at fermenting banana, Bobiri forest,
Ghana
Introduction
The
genus
Euphaedra
comprises of a yet to be discerned number of large and very beautiful
forest-dwelling butterflies, all found on the African continent. Hecq puts the total number of species as high as 154, but this is challenged
by a number of other workers who believe that many of these are merely
local forms or subspecies.
The butterflies all share a common wing shape, and most have a similar pattern on
the upperside - typically the basal areas of the wings ( particularly the
hindwings ) have large patches of metallic blue, green, orange or red scales;
and most species also have a cream or orange sub-apical bar.
The undersides of many species
are extremely beautiful, with black spots on a bright yellow ground colour. The
base of the hindwings of many species is bright pink, and in a several including
themis, sarcoptera, aureola and
janetta this colour is also found at the base of
the forewings.
The butterflies are subject to
a degree of variation regarding the size and configuration of the black spots on
the underside. It is often therefore necessary to closely examine the patterns
on both wing surfaces to arrive at an accurate identification.
Euphaedra
sarcoptera is distributed across most of sub-Saharan Africa from Sierra
Leone to Gabon, and south to Uganda and western Tanzania.
Euphaedra
sarcoptera, Bobiri forest,
Ghana
Habitats
As with all Euphaedra
species, this butterfly is an inhabitant of tropical rainforest, and is
found at altitudes between sea level and about
1000m. It is an uncommon species, but can be found in disturbed and secondary
forest as well as in the better preserved forests.
Lifecycle
The
larvae are gregarious, and feed on Dennetia, and
probably also on other Annonaceae.
Adult behaviour
Both sexes are strongly attracted to clusters of fallen
fruits, particularly
Ficus, and patrol back and
forth across glades or along forest paths in search of them. They
are usually seen singly, or in two's and three's, and usually hold
their wings erect while feeding. Like all
Euphaedra species they are very alert. If approached they
fan their wings nervously, before flying up to settle on a leaf in
the shade, usually at a height of about 2 metres. Once the
perceived danger has passed, they usually return to resume
feeding.
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