Spotless policeman

Introduction: Spotless Policeman (Coellades libeon) are common and widespread favouring savannah, forest and grassland habitats. Feeding on flowers or sucking moisture from river and stream banks is common, which aides netting.

Distribution: Northern Namibia, Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip) extending east as far as the Namib Desert and Skeleton Coast.

Breeding/Larval food: The leaves of some Euphorbiaceae spp. such as slender candelabra-euphorbia (Euphorbia avasmontana) and Damara euphorbia (Euphorbia damarana), both succulent shrubs. Larvae is an attractive lemon-yellow colour with black chequering.

Colouration: A plain dark green grounding with no spots, hence the common name.

On the wing: Throughout the year.

Wingspan: Approx 65mm.