Dancing Acraea
Acraea serena
9.60004, 7.99997
Field Notes
Description:
The Dancing Acraea (Acraea serena) is a butterfly of the Nymphalidae family. It is found in South Africa, including the area near the Waterberg Biosphere.
Habitat:
This is the type species of the old genus Telchinia, which may warrant re-separation from Acraea. However, it might in fact be too close a relative of the type species of Acraea (Garden Acraea, A. horta) to warrant such a move. Formerly, A. serena was often misidentified as Acraea eponina (Small Orange Acraea) or Acraea terpsicore (Tawny Coaster).
It is very likely that the butterfly's black-spotted orange markings are a sign of unpalatability and it may well form part of a mimicry ring with Erikssonia edgei.
Notes:
These particular Acraea species are often seen spending the night like this after settling for a plant from about 5.30pm every evening.
Comments (0)
Be the first to comment
Sign in to comment