For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Dancing Acraea (Telchinia serena)

Dancing Acraea (Telchinia serena) Family Nymphalidae Heliconiinae
They are medium to large butterflies with a wingspan of 45-55mm and are very popular in gardens. Their flight is very slow and they seem to float in the air.
Interestingly, this butterfly and their caterpillars also absorb substances from their host plants which make them distasteful to most animals.