Purple tip
Colotis ione
Fun Fact: Purple Tips settle frequently in bushveld and thorn areas, giving ample opportunities to catch it.
Introduction: Purple Tips (Colotis ione) settle frequently in bushveld and thorn areas, giving ample opportunities to catch it. The name 'ione' is derived from the a sea nymph of the same name, 1 of 50 Nereides daughters of the Greek mythological sea god, Nereus.
Distribution: Northern Namibia.
Breeding/Larval food: Spindle shaped, cream coloured eggs are laid on various food plants.
Colouration: Males have iridescent purple tips. Females have either orange or plain wing tips.
On the wing: Throughout the year.
Wingspan: Male and female: 45 to 50mm.
.png?width=82&height=85&name=Navigate%20Namibia-03%20(1).png "Navigate Namibia")