As its name suggests, the Northern Orange-banded Protea feeds on protea buds. Northern Orange-banded Protea (upperside) (Photograph: Justin Bode) Capys Alpheus extentsus, the Northern Orange-banded Protea orVerdwaalde Oranjeband Suikerbossie. is a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. The Capys (Protea butterflies) … Read more
This charming butterfly is rarely recorded on Verloren Valei—who will be next to sight it? Natal Silverline (underside) (Photograph: © Justin Bode) Cigaritis natalensis, Natal Silverline/ Natal Bar(Skitterblou streepvlerkie) is a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. Cigaritis (Silverlines) is a … Read more
Another member of the brush-footed butterfly tribe occurs at Verloren Valei. By Justin Bode Long-Winged Orange Telchinia (underside) (Photograph: © Justin Bode) Telchinia alalonga, Long-winged Orange Telchinia or Long-winged Maber, Langvlerk rooitjie is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, the … Read more
It’s only been seen once at Verloren Valei—time to get your spotting shoes on. Dancing Telchinia (upper side) (Photograph: © Justin Bode) Telchinia serena is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, the so called “brush-footed butterflies”. The name derives from … Read more
This migratory butterfly species is starting to reveal its secrets. The Painted Lady, also known as Sondagsrokkie or, more officially Vanessa cardui, is a common butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. This family is called “brush-footed butterflies” because, in the adults, … Read more
The African Yellow Pansy butterfly is one of the most commonly seen lepidoptera at Verloren Valei, but that should not distract us from its intrinsic beauty. The African Yellow Pansy or Geel Gesiggie (Junonia hierta cebrene) is a common and … Read more
Infrequently observed at Verloren Valei, the Basuto Skolly or Basuto magpie has a somewhat disreputable reputation, as its name implies. By Justin Bode Thestor basutus, Basuto Skolly or Basoetoe Skollie, is the most widely distributed species in its genus. While … Read more
Verloren Valei illustrates how important a role protected areas play in conserving our biodiversity. By Justin Bode Lepidoptera are recognised as playing an important role in ecological systems, and also act as biodiversity indicators. For these reasons, the Southern African … Read more
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
