Queen purple tip

Introduction: Because Queen Purple Tips (Colotis regina) are relatively fast they are not easily netted unawares unless they have settled on a flower. Males look for females by flying around larval host-plants trees. Small koppies and hilltops are favoured locations.

Distribution: Etosha National Park , Epupa Falls, Ruacana Falls, Kavango River region, Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip) , Damaraland , central and northern Namibia, Kalahari Desert , Fish River Canyon.

Breeding/Larval food: Eggs are laid on caper-bushes (Capparis spp)shepherd's tree (Boscia albitrunca) leaves.

Colouration: Regina refers to its 'majestic' appearance. Pinkish tinge underneath with the purple patch of the female is broken by a row of black discal spots.

On the wing: Throughout the year.

Wingspan: Male and female: 55 to 60mm.