Natal bar

Introduction: Natal Bars (Spindasis natalensis) are also known as Natal Barred Blues. They prefer wooded regions, bush and savannah, often flying around at midday, especially on the tops of koppies. Their preference for flowers is well-noted.

Distribution: Occurs in northern Namibia.

Breeding/Larval food: Feeds on common plants such as cork plants, a small shrub with a wide distribution over central and northern Namibia including Etosha National Park , Epupa Falls and the Kalahari Desert .

Colouration: So called because of their bars in the apical area of the forewing and occasionally the hindwing. Blue background colour above with broad brown-black margins on both sets of wings. Females are larger and darker than males.

On the wing: Throughout the year.

Wingspan: Male: 25 to 29mm. Female: 28 to 32mm.