Precis (Junonia) archesia
The Garden Commodore, or Garden Inspector, is a familiar butterfly occurring year round in South Africa, having quite distinctly marked dry season (April to August) and wet season (September to March) variations that could easily be taken to be altogether different species. Females are bigger than the males and at 6cm their wingspan is at least 1cm wider than that of the males. With their wings closed Garden Commodores, especially the dry season form, resemble dead leaves.
As their name suggests, the Garden Inspector is commonly seen in well planted gardens, but their natural habitat is rocky, grass- and savanna-covered hills. They are fast flyers and often land in the open, on bare ground, rocks or pathways. In South Africa they are found from the Eastern Cape, through Kwazulu-Natal into the Lowveld and Bushveld regions of the country.
DeWetsWild 
Pingback: Garden Commodore — de Wets Wild – SEO
Lovely! The colour variation across the two seasons is remarkable. As you say, they could be two different species.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Carol! find it fascinating that an insect could be so well adapted to its environment as to don different colouration depending on the season it flies in.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it is great that you have managed to take such clear photographs. Butterflies continue to elude my efforts – mostly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Anne! South Africa has such a rich diversity of butterflies and moths, and with “butterfly-watching” becoming a real “thing” again an intriguing aspect to explore!
LikeLike
Very beautiful butterflies!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They really are winged jewels! Thanks, Robert!
LikeLike
Great picture of a beautiful butterfly!😊 I think it´s very difficult to shoot butterflies, they never wanna sit still.😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, John!
How are you doing?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I´m going to be better. It seems to be a side effect of a medicine. I have also got water in my legs, my feet look like elephant feet!😁😁😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh no, John. I’m glad at least the problem’s been pinpointed and that you can now receive the correct treatment. I hope you’ll feel better soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do love butterflies. Looking forward to seeing some.
janet
LikeLiked by 1 person
With spring peaking around the corner in the Northern Hemisphere I’m sure the wait is almost over, Janet!
LikeLiked by 1 person