Interactions between plants and insects have evolved over the past 100 million years, resulting in the most fascinating and bizarre adaptations by both parties, writes Renier Basson, senior field officer, Drylands Strategic Conservation Landscape, Endangered Wildlife Trust. Across South Africa, … Read more
South Africa’s most common butterfly flies low and adapts well to a wide variety of conditions. African Grass Blue (male, upper side) (Photograph: Justin Bode) The blue of the African sky is something we all love—and something that those in … Read more
This common but attractive butterfly has a distinct seasonal variation on its underside. Byblia ilithyia, Spotted Joker or Leliegrasvegter is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, the brush-footed butterflies. They are so named because, in adults, the front legs are … Read more
Jeremy Dobson reports on a misty, wet summer’s day expedition to Verloren Valei. Group photo in the rain after the walk (Photograph: Jeremy Dobson) A field trip to Verloren Valei is usually conducted annually. This year’s event, set down for … Read more
This butterfly’s curious name hints at the way in which the sexes are differentiated. (L) Male Zebra Blue species (upper side) (Photograph: Justin Bode); ® Female Zebra Blue (upper side) (Photograph: Steve Woodhall) The Leptotes genus is represented by five … Read more
This excellent total was recorded by Christopher Willis on a recent trip to the reserve. Big-eye Small Ringlet (Paternympha loxophthalma) – photograph taken by Christopher Willis on a recent visit to Verloren Valei Christopher Willis, Chief Director: National Botanical Gardens … Read more
Christopher Willis and David Edge outline the reproductive behaviour of Verloren Valei’s celebrated endemic butterfly. Mating pair of Dullstroom Blue (formerly Warren’s Blue) (Photograph: Christopher Willis) Discovered by RT Warren and his family in 1988-89, and named in their honour, … Read more
A recent article paints a bleak future for this butterfly—and, by implication, for its fellow rarity, the Dullstroom Blue. Dullstroom Blue (formerly Warren’s Blue)–endemic to Verloren Valei (Photograph: Justin Bode) A recent article in Metamorphosis, the journal of the Lepidopterists’ … Read more
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
