Paradise skipper

Introduction: The common name of the Paradise Skipper (Abantis paradisea) reflects the wonderful colours of this species. They occur in woody areas and bushveld. Tops of koppies and ridges are favoured where they select the end of a twig to perch, only leaving to dart around. Females are attracted to low flowers and can be caught sucking nectar.

Distribution: Kaokoland , Damaraland , Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip) , Rundu , Windhoek, Okahandja and other north-central regions.

Breeding/Larval food: Hibiscus (Malvaceae), mountain blue-sweetberry (Bridelia cathartica) and kudu-berry (Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia).

Colouration: Dark ground colours with yellow and white patches on both fore and hind wings.

On the wing: Throughout the year but more abundant from August to October.

Wingspan: 40 to 55mm.