Butterflies of
Africa
High Sailor
Neptis alta
OVERLAET, 1955
Family - NYMPHALIDAE
subfamily -
LIMENITIDINAE
Tribe -
NEPTINI
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Neptis
alta, Wli
Falls, Ghana / Togo border |
Introduction
The Sailors, or Gliders as they are sometimes called, are all
members of the genus Neptis - a
large and confusing group of butterflies found across much of
the world, excluding the Americas. They are noted for
characteristic sailing flight, and their shared theme of white
spots and bars on a black background.
The genus
Neptis comprises of about 170
species, of which
at least 65
occur in Africa,
40+ in the Palaearctic region ( Europe, and Asia north of the
Himalayas ), 6 in Australasia, and about 50 in the
Oriental region. Distinguishing the species involves careful
study of the configuration of the white spots, bars and submarginal lines
on both wing surfaces.
Neptis alta is found
from Senegal to Uganda and Tanzania.
Habitats
This species is found in rainforest habitats at altitudes
between about 100-800m.
Lifecycle
In
Neptis species the
egg is placed at the very tip of a leaf of the foodplant,
on the upper surface. It is pale green, globular, and
covered in a network of hexagonal ridges from which arise 100 or
more tiny spikes, giving it the appearance of a tiny sea urchin.
The caterpillar spends it's early instars hiding in a curled
up dead leaf from which it will periodically venture out to
feed.
Adult behaviour
Like all
Neptis species, this butterfly is
best appreciated when on the wing, as it sails gently, riding on
thermals, with periods of gliding punctuated by occasional sharp
wing beats. The Sailors fly with meticulous precision,
gliding in circles as they weave their way in and out through the
foliage and branches.
Neptis alta normally flies in the
sub-canopy, but descends occasionally to imbibe mineralised
moisture from damp ground, especially during the dry season.
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