InsectNet forum

A pair from Central African Republic 1983

Fantastic species !

Africa does have its share of truly splendid butterfly species but, this one tops the list for the sheer "unequaled" extravagance of its colors, patterns, and wing design.

Simply nothing else quite like it.

Yet, another superb gem I have yet to acquire....

First, a taxonomic note: This is neither a Protogoniomorpha (note the spelling) nor is it a Salamis. Recent genetic studies have shown that it's correctly placed within Junonia, which makes sense to me.

Here's one of my specimens:

19/iii/2016 Near Mbogi, Djugu Territory, Ituri (1°41'55"N, 30°07'35"E) 1250m

What depth of color this species has indeed !
Is this an infrequently encoutered species ?
Are they drawn to bait ?

Thanks for that info & the spelling correction Cabintom. Lovely pictures too. A bit large for a Junonia I think but your expertise on African butterflies is much better than mine !!

Trehopr1 wrote: Sat Feb 18, 2023 7:24 am Is this an infrequently encoutered species ?

Might be considered an "uncommon" species. Though I have a hunch that in the right place at the right time of the year, they'd be numerous enough.

Trehopr1 wrote: Sat Feb 18, 2023 7:24 am Are they drawn to bait ?

Not that I'm aware. From my experience, Nymphalinae aren't fructivorous and aren't mud-puddlers. I can't recall ever seeing any at carrion or dung. They're baskers and they're territorial though.

daveuk wrote: Sat Feb 18, 2023 9:15 am A bit large for a Junonia I think

Yes, a fair bit larger than the others in the genus, but wing shape and markings are all in line with the brown Junonia, so I think it makes sense (at least more so than grouping them with Protogoniomorpha or Salamis).

Cabintom,
can you please tell me the author and article reference for the change to Junonia? I am not aware of this paper.

PYRCZ, T.W., FLORCZYK, K., COLLINS, S., SÁFIAN, S., MAHECHA-J., O. & LACHOWSKA-CIERLIK, D. 2021. Alpha-taxonomy and phylogeny of African Junoniini butterflies based on morphological data, with an emphasis on genitalia, and COI barcode (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae). Zootaxa 4991 (3): 401-433.

Here is a recently spread example of this magnificent
species. Just about the MOST extravagant of african
butterfly species that I can think of...

I received my specimen from a good friend here on the forum.
It is out of Uganda and like all examples of this species is
wild caught. Its colors are bold and rich and as you can see its
wing integrity is complete so, someone picked-up a near fresh
hatch example.



One doesn't see very many of these in private collections. If
you encounter them at all they are almost always (males) and
it seems (few-and far between) that you actually see an
A1 example.

With wings like this coupled with the behavior typical of many
Nymphalids its little wonder that most are in A1- or A2 condition.
Still, an important "treasure" of a species to welcome to one's
collection since its truly one of the great ones !