After church, I went outside to dry my clothes when I noticed this lovely creature, so I took a few pictures to share with my fellow #photographylovers. The term "Precis butterfly" refers to a genus of nymphalid butterflies, commonly known as commodores, described by Jacob Hübner in 1819. These butterflies are primarily found in Africa, with two species endemic to Madagascar. Below is a concise overview based on available information: Description Size and Appearance: Precis butterflies are medium-to-large, with wingspans up to 5 cm. Their upperside wings typically have a black or brownish ground color with white, pink, green, or blue spots and bands. Many species feature eyespots, and their outer wing margins are wavy, toothed, or scalloped. Seasonal Polymorphism: Several species exhibit distinct wet-season and dry-season forms. For example, the gaudy commodore (Precis octavia) has a striking seasonal dimorphism, with the wet-season form displaying orange with black markings and the dry-season form showing shining blue with a red band on the hindwing. Transitional forms are rare but can occur. Habitat and Distribution Habitat: Precis butterflies are savannah species but adapt to various environments, including secondary forests, botanical gardens, and wasteland. They are strong fliers and often found in open woodlands or acacia scrub. Distribution: Found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, with species like Precis octavia ranging from Senegal to Ethiopia, Somalia, and South Africa. The southern subspecies (Precis octavia sesamus) is common in South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Kenya. Biology Larval Food Plants: The larvae feed on plants in the Lamiaceae family, such as Coleus, Plectranthus, and Solenostemon. Behavior: Adults are avid nectar feeders, often seen at wildflowers. They bask with wings spread on the ground or low foliage but keep wings erect or half-open while nectaring. Males of some forms, like the summer form of Precis octavia sesamus, exhibit territorial hilltopping behavior, while dry-season forms are less active and may hide under eaves or in forests. Notable Species Precis octavia (Gaudy Commodore): Known for its spectacular seasonal dimorphism. The wet-season form is orange with a pinkish flush, while the dry-season form is blue with red bands. Found across sub-Saharan Africa. Precis pelarga (Fashion Commodore): Features a wingspan of 43–51 mm, with orange-white bands in the wet season and bluish-white in the dry season. Common in tropical Africa, including Senegal, Angola, and Ethiopia. Other species include Precis actia (air commodore), Precis antilope (darker commodore), and Precis tugela (African leaf butterfly). Taxonomy Relation to Junonia: Precis is closely related to the Junonia genus but differs in genitalia structure and larval food plant preferences. The type species is Precis octavia. Spiritual and Cultural Significance While the query does not explicitly ask for symbolic meanings, butterflies, including Precis species, often carry spiritual significance. Generally, butterflies symbolize transformation, rebirth, and freedom due to their metamorphosis. Specific cultural meanings vary: In some African contexts, certain butterflies (e.g., Precis octavia) may be seen as omens or spiritual messengers, though specific symbolic meanings for Precis are not widely documented. For example, orange butterflies like some Precis wet-season forms might be associated with creativity or joy, while black elements could symbolize mystery or protection.
Picture : Photography Category : Butterfly Camera use : Handphone Model : Redmi14C Photographer : @ubglo17 Location : Idu ,Uruan LGA,Akwa Ibom State,Nigeria Link to community : Community