Introduction
The Charaxinae are a group of robust, medium to large Nymphalids characterised by having a rapid and powerful flight, stout bodies, falcate apexes, and a habit of feeding at dung and carrion. They are represented in the neotropics by genera including Consul, Memphis, Prepona and Agrias; in the Oriental and Australian regions by Polyura and Charaxes, and in Africa by Charaxes, Euxanthe and Palla.
There are 179 Charaxes species in the Afrotropical region, one of which – jasius, extends its range as far north as the Mediterranean coast of Europe. Most are forest-dwellers but several are adapted to savannah and arid Acacia thorn scrub habitats.
Most Charaxes species are black on the upperside, with bands of either white, orange or blue. The bands in some species are very broad, while in others they are narrow and broken into a series of small spots. Many Charaxes species have a pair of thin tails at the tornus of the hindwings.
Charaxes galawadiwosi is endemic to Ethiopia.
Habitats
This species is found in savannah / woodland habitats at altitudes between about 1000-2000m.
Lifecycle
The only recorded larval foodplant is Albizia ( Fabaceae ).
Adult behaviour
Males visit dung to obtain minerals which are passed to females during copulation. If disturbed from their feeding place the fly up and settle on the branches of nearby bushes or trees.
