Broad Bordered Grass Yellow
Eurema brigitta brigitta
Inverterbrate
| At a Glance | |
| Size | 30-35mm |
| Lifespan | As an adult, probably 2-4 weeks |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
Description
Small yellow butterfly with black borders to the wings; forewing tip has broader border than the rest of the wings. Male upper side is a bright chrome yellow; females a paler lemon colour. Summer individuals have yellow undersides with dusting of black scales. In winter the colour can vary from pinkish buff to orange-brown.
Behaviour
Slow, low flight among the grass, stopping often to feed on low flowers. Very common and widespread; perhaps the butterfly most likely to be seen by visitors to Krantzkloof.
Diet
Adults: nectar from flowers such as Justicia, Ruellia, and low growing members of the Lamiaceae.
Larvae: the grassland perennial herb, Chamaecrista mimosoides, (Fishbone Dwarf Cassia). This is one of the commonest low growing plants in the reserve and as a result the butterflies swarm in spring and late summer.
Breeding
Two main broods, one in spring and a larger one in late summer and autumn.
Distribution
All over the eastern side of summer rainfall zones in southern and eastern Africa.
Habitat
Grassland and savanna.
Threats
None
Local Information
Krantzkloof Nature Reserve
One of the most conspicuous butterflies seen in Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, by virtue of its bright colour.
Memorial Park
You are most likely to see this butterfly in the vicinity of the grassland.
Interesting Facts
This is one of the butterflies one sees drinking en masse from animal scats and urine puddles. A massed group on an elephant dung pile or rhino midden has to be seen to be believed! In the reserve they are often seen on Zebra dung and urine.