Introduction
The genus Colotis comprises of 40 species, 39 of which are primarily or entirely Afrotropical in distribution. The majority of species have pure white uppersides, with prominent orange, yellow or crimson tips to the forewings. The undersides of most are pale whitish or buff, marked with sooty blackish submarginal spots, and a band of smaller post-median spots.
Colotis hetaera is found in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia.
Habitats
This is a savannah species, but can occasionally be found in large clearings in the drier forests.
Lifecycle
The larval foodplants include Cadaba, Boscia, Capparis, Ritchiea and Maerua ( Capparaceae ).
Adult behaviour
The butterflies behave like typical Colotis – they are very active, and only tend to settle early or late in the day when temperatures are low. When basking or nectaring, the wings are usually held in the half open position as depicted in the photograph at the top of this page.