African ringlet

Ypthima asterope asterope

A small butterfly with a wingspan of 30-38 mm, females are often larger, the colour is brownish-grey or slate but with unmistakable eyespots, one on each wing. Also called the “common three-ring,” this butterfly favours drier habitats, such as coasts, farmland, thickets, grassy places, stony hillsides, and semi-desert. Host plants include annual meadow-grass (Poa annua) and Bermuda-grass (Cynodon dactylon). This species is on-wing March through November, the flight is described as slow and “bobbing” close to the ground.

Photographs