Introduction
The genus Acleros comprises of about 12 species, of which 9-11 are found in mainland Africa. The remaining species – leucopyga, is endemic to Madagascar.
Acleros mackenii is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa and on Madagascar – however the status of its alleged subspecies is uncertain. It may turn out to be the case that “mackenii” should be split into 2 or 3 distinct species.
Habitats
The butterfly is found mainly along tracks and roads through degraded forest, and is commonest in lush damp areas. It also occurs in lower numbers in riparian forest (strips of forest growing along riverbanks in savannah-dominated areas).
Lifecycle
The larval foodplants are listed as Rhus (Anacardiaceae) and Acridocarpus (Malpighiaceae).
Adult behaviour
This tiny species is usually seen in two’s and three’s, but sometimes it can be found in much larger numbers. Both sexes commonly visit the flowers of herbaceous plants for nectar. Males also visit bird droppings.