Joker Butterfly

Byblia ilithyia

a joker butterfly, Byblia ilithyia, from Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 2012. Photo © by Michael Plagens

Observed at Nairobi, Kenya, January 2012. The wing span is about 6 cm.

wings underside joker butterfly, Byblia, from Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 2012. Photo © by Michael Plagens

These butterflies are common at flowers in gardens around Nairobi and other highland areas. When perched, as at right on flowers of Traveler's Joy (Clematis brachiata), the wings are held folded over the dorsum. There are three species and I suspect this one is the Spotted Joker.

Nymphaliidae -- Brush-footed Butterfly Family

More Information:


Kenya Natural History

Copyright Michael J. Plagens. Page created 28 March 2012,
updated 4 Sept. 2019.