Introduction
The genus Telipna comprises of 25 species, all Afrotropical in distribution. They are all very similar in appearance, and are regarded as Batesian mimics of toxic Aletis Geometrid moths.
Telipna semirufa is distributed from Sierra Leone to Togo.
Habitats
This species is found in rainforest at altitudes between about 100-500m.
Lifecycle
The caterpillars browse on blue-green algae coating the bark of trees.
Adult behaviour
In common with other Telipna species, semirufa is found in denser parts of the forest, but usually in areas where the understorey is fairly open. The butterflies randomly undertake short flights, and are quick on the wing, although the wing-beats are fluttery. They spend long periods at the extra-floral nectaries of Marantaceae.
Both sexes are easiest to find at dusk, when they go to roost, sitting at the end of thin dry twigs, usually quite close to the ground.