Green-veined Charaxes

Charaxes candiope

Green-veined Charaxes, C. candiope, from Kenya. Photo © by Michael Plagens

This butterfly was taking moisture from damp soil at a stream crossing, Kerio Valley, Kenya, Dec. 2014. Notice that the long coiled proboscis (white and cream-colored) is extended for drinking.

From Wikipedia: The wingspan is 45–55 mm in males and 50–60 mm in females. The basic colour of the upperside wings is tawny or orange tawny, with a basal area slightly paler or pale ocher yellow. The unscaled veins and the coastal edge of forewing are green. The hindwings have a submarginal black band with a series of tawny ochreous or whitish interstitial spots. The undersides of the forewings are clayish, slightly ochreous, while the hindwings are sepia colour. Forewings are rather falcade, while the hindwings have two small tails protruding from the lower edge. Flight period is from October to June.

Nymphalidae -- Brush-footed Butterfly Family

More Information:


Kenya Natural History

Copyright Michael J. Plagens. Page created 19 October 2015