Introduction
There are 22 known species in the genus Borbo, of which 18 are found in the Afrotropical region.
One of the commonest species in Africa is the Long-horned Swift, Borbo fatuellus, which is also known as the Foolish Swift, although the reason why it received that name seems to be unknown.
Borbo fatuellus is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, except in desert regions. It also occurs in south-west Arabia.
Habitats
This species can be found in almost any forested habitat in Africa, including thickets in savannah country, and severely degraded areas within the forest belt.
Lifecycle
The larvae feed nocturnally on various grasses including Setaria, Panicum, Digitaria, Pennisetum, and Imperata (Poaceae).
Adult behaviour
This is a sun-loving species which can be found basking on the lower foliage of bushes and herbs in forest edge habitats. When basking it adopts the characteristic Hesperiine posture, with forewings half-open, and hindwings held flat. In hot weather the butterflies thermoregulate by closing their wings or seeking shade.