Butterflies of
Africa
Untailed Ginger White
Oboronia ornata
MABILLE, 1890
Family - LYCAENIDAE
subfamily -
POLYOMMATINAE
Tribe - POLYOMMATINI
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Oboronia ornata,
Amedzofe, Likpe Hills, Ghana / Togo border |
Introduction
The genus Oboronia
comprises of 7 delicate small white butterflies known as Ginger Whites.
The butterflies are entirely Afrotropical in distribution, with 5 species
confined to west Africa, and a single species in the coastal forests of Kenya.
Oboronia
ornata is a west African species found from Sierra Leone to Cameroon. It
is the only untailed member of the genus.
Habitats
This species is found in disturbed areas of
primary forest, in secondary forest, and in riparian forest in
savannah-dominated areas.
Lifecycle
The
larvae feed on the flowers of Costus ( Costaceae ).
Adult behaviour
The butterflies are most active
early in the morning and are rarely seen after midday unless the
weather is cool. They fly slowly along paths, streams, roadsides
and forest edges; and spend long periods nectaring at marigolds
and other wild flowers. When nectaring they normally hold the
wings erect or very slightly apart. They form small colonies and
are usually seen in two's and three's.
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