Introduction
The genus Belenois comprises of about 30 species, of which 25 occur in the Afrotropical region. Males of most species are pure white, with well defined black markings, while females usually have browner and more suffused markings, on a dull white or creamy ground colour.
The most widespread species is aurota which is found across most of Africa, Arabia and the Indian subcontinent. In Africa it sometimes swarms in thousands, and can be found in almost any habitat.
Belenois thysa is found in Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, Kenya, Natal, Mozambique, Zambia, Uganda, Congo and Angola.
Habitats
This butterfly can be found in dense savannah and open forest, at altitudes between sea level and at least 2000m.
Lifecycle
The larval foodplants include Capparis, Maerua and Ritchiea (Capparaceae).
Adult behaviour
Males are usually seen as singletons amidst aggregations of other Pierines, visiting damp patches of sandy ground from which they imbibe mineralised moisture. Females are seen less often, but visit Tridax, Lantana and other flowers for nectar.