Introduction
The Biblidinae are a subfamily of butterflies with over 350 species worldwide, the vast majority of which are Neotropical. In the Afrotropical region there 30 species, in the genera Byblia, Ariadne, Eurytela, Neptidopsis, Sevenia and Mesoxantha.
The genus Ariadne comprises of 14 species, of which 5 occur in Africa – actisanes, pagenstecheri, enotrea, albifascia and personata. The remaining species are distributed variously from India to the Philippines, and the islands of south-east Asia.
Ariadne albifascia is distributed from Senegal to Uganda.
Habitats
This species is found along roadsides in forested habitats, and also in clearings, along riverbanks, and on agricultural land.
Lifecycle
The larval foodplants include Tragia and Dalechampia ( Euphorbiaceae ).
Adult behaviour
The butterflies have a slow, graceful flight, flitting and gliding, weaving and winding, among bushes and the lower foliage of trees. Males rarely pause to rest for more than a moment or two, except when mud-puddling. Both sexes visit flowers for nectar.