Introduction
In appearance and behaviour Antanartia could be thought of as the African “sister” genus to the Neotropical Hypanartia, but phylogenetic analysis has indicated that they are more closely related to Vanessa – the Red Admirals and Painted Ladies.
Antanartia comprises of 5 species, 4 of which occur on the continental land mass, while the other – borbonica, is found only on Mauritius, Reunion and Madagascar.
Antanartia dimorphica has a disjointed distribution, with a West African population in the mountains of Cameroon, and an Eastern African range extending from Ethiopia south to Malawi and Transvaal.
Habitats
This is a montane species, found mostly in forested areas or on scrubby farmland, at altitudes between about 800-2000m.
Lifecycle
The larval foodplant is Carduus (Asteraceae).
Adult behaviour
Males perch on the foliage of bushes to await passing females. They usually hold their wings half-open when perching, but will fully outspread them to bask on cool mornings or in late afternoon.