Braine s acraea

Introduction: Braine's Acraea (Acraea acraea brainei) frequent granite outcrops, hills or ridges. Distinctive wing shape and markings.

Distribution: Hartmann's Valley in Kaokoland and other north-western regions of Namibia.

Breeding: Larval food is from the Turnera oculata, a 2m high shrub with knobbly stems and light green leaves. Also feeds on the flowers. 

Colouration: Bright yellow at the tips changing to a darker violet to black further down.  Positioning of its black spots and a row of spots on the hindwing are helpful in identification of this species.

On the wing: February to April.

Wingspan: Approx 60mm.