As a defence mechanism, many butterflies are poisonous. Other butterflies mimic their poisonous cousins to warn off predators. By Justin Bode When a poisonous butterfly is bitten, the toxins released stimulate a vomiting reflex in the predator that results in … Read More
The full life cycle of South Africa’s more than 10 000 species of Lepidoptera remains mysterious, even in the age of Google. Citizen scientists have a big role to play, writes Justin Bode. It may surprise you to learn that we … Read More
This lovely little butterfly is easy to miss, but it’s well worth keeping an eye out for it in the vlei areas of Verloren Valei. By Justin Bode Harpendyreus noquasa, Marsh Mountain Blue, Moeras-bergbloutjie, as the names suggest, is a … Read More
Formerly thought only to occur at Verloren Valei, it now seems as though this butterfly is more widely dispersed. Serradinga clarki amissivallis, previously known as Clark’s Lost Widow and now renamed the Verloren Valei Bronze Speckled Widow, was previously thought … Read More
In what has become an annual event, LepSoc Africa hosted a field trip focused on butterflies on 12 December 2020. The LepSoc field trip this year was led by Jeremy Dobson, the President of LepSoc Africa and Justin Bode, the … Read More
LepSoc Africa will host its annual field trip on 12 December 2020. Verloren Valei is home to two butterfly species that only exist there — Warren’s Blue and Clark’s Lost Widow. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to sight one … Read More
The Mountain Sylph butterfly is confined to high-altitude grasslands and loves wetland environments—it’s almost as if Verloren Valei was designed for it. By Justin Bode Metisella aegipan aegipan, Mountain sylph or Berg-walsertjie has a scattered distribution in the high-altitude montane … Read More
The Gaudy Commodore has two seasonal forms so distinct they look like members of separate species. By Jeremy Dobson The Gaudy Commodore (Precis octavia) is widespread in the Afrotropical region; the local subspecies, the Eastern Gaudy Commodore (Precis octavia sesamus) … Read More
Correcting some common misconceptions about the Great Little White Butterfly Migration. By Justin Bode A common sight towards the end of December and early January in years after good rains is large swarms of white butterflies flying across the country. … Read More
The Common Geranium Bronze butterfly is widespread, and can easily be attracted into suburban gardens. By Justin Bode Cacyreus marshalli, colloquially known as the Common Geranium Bronze or the Malvabloutjie, is native to South Africa and one of our most … Read More
