A Zululand butterfly hotspot
The False Bay area of Zululand, where Suni-Ridge lies, is one of South Africa’s richest areas for butterflies — a Mecca for lepidopterists since the 1950s, with over 110 species and four red-list rarities.
The False Bay area of Zululand is very rich in butterfly species and is regarded as a butterfly hotspot. As well as the many brightly coloured whites, tips and swallowtails found all along our east coast, it has four special red-list rarities and a selection of iconic Zululand butterflies. Despite extensive habitat destruction by agriculture, it remains an important locality with significant areas of well-preserved Sand Forest and coastal bush. Steve WoodhallPresident, Lepidopterists’ Society of South Africa
What do a Zulu, a playboy, a highflyer, a painted lady and a policeman have in common?
They are all butterfly groups! Visitors are amazed at how many different species are easily seen at Suni-Ridge. Although habitat destruction is causing a serious decline of butterfly diversity around the world, there are still more than 110 species in and around our area — and the habitat we have restored and given back to nature provides a home for an extraordinary diversity of animals, birds, butterflies and insect life.
Rarities & iconic Zululand butterflies
Alongside the many brightly coloured whites, tips and swallowtails of the east coast, these are some of the special species found in the area.
Red-list rarities
- White Mimic Ornipholidotos peucetia penningtoni
- Zulu Buff Teriomima zuluana
- Coastal Hairstreak Hypolycaena lochmophila
- White-spotted Sapphire Iolaus lulua
Iconic Zululand butterflies
- Gold-banded Forester Euphaedra neophron
- Forest Queen Charaxes wakefieldi
- Natal Yellow-banded Sapphire Iolaus diametra natalica
- Zulu Shadefly Coenyra hebe
- Black-and-Orange Playboy Deudorix dariaves
- Brilliant Gem Chloroselas pseudozeritis
- Mamba Swordtail Graphium colonna
Butterflies that live with ants
The Trimen’s Blue — a wolf in ant’s clothing
The female Trimen’s Blue lays her eggs on an ant trail. The caterpillars release a pheromone that mimics the ants’ own scent, and after hatching the tiny larvae roll into a ball and allow the ants to carry them into the nest. There they are “milked” for a sweet substance — but the twist is that the caterpillars also feed on the ants’ young, all while their borrowed scent keeps the ants fooled. Eventually they pupate and emerge from the nest as beautiful butterflies.
Hutchinson’s Highflier — guarded by a soldier army
The Hutchinson’s Highflier lives alongside ferocious “soldier” cocktail ants that fiercely protect its caterpillars. The caterpillars release a pheromone that mimics the ants’ alarm signal, so when they leave the nest to feed, an army of ants follows and attacks any predator that comes near. In exchange, the caterpillars provide the ants with a sweet substance they “milk” back in the nest.
May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun, and find your shoulder to light on, to bring you luck, happiness and riches, today, tomorrow and beyond. Irish Blessing
Protect this butterfly hotspot
The restored Sand Forest and coastal bush at Suni-Ridge is what keeps this diversity alive. Your support helps us protect and rehabilitate it. For butterfly enthusiasts, Steve Woodhall’s “What’s That Butterfly?” is a wonderful guide to the species of the region.
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