Byblia ilithyia
The beautiful Spotted Joker is found in Africa and Asia. In South Africa they commonly occur in all our provinces with the exception of the Western Cape, inhabiting grasslands and dry, open savanna habitats. The larvae feed predominantly on plants from the genus Tragia, while adults gather on rotting fruit, faeces and mud. Adults have a wingspan measuring 4-6cm and are on the wing throughout the year.
Spotted Joker
Spotted Jokers congregating on rotting fallen fruit in Mpila
Spotted Jokers congregating on rotting fallen fruit in Mpila
Spotted Joker
Spotted Joker
Spotted Joker
Spotted Joker
Spotted Joker
Spotted Joker (photo by Joubert)
Spotted Joker
Spotted Joker
Spotted Joker
Spotted Joker
Spotted Joker Butterfly
Spotted Joker Butterfly
Spotted Joker
DeWetsWild 
Cool… more butterflies!
The fact that these don’t occur in the WC has me thinking… are there butterflies endemic to Fynbos areas – adapted specifically to fynbos and related plants?
There are very many butterflies that occur only in the Western Cape fynbos and nowhere else on earth, AJ. Sadly we don’t make it all the way to the WC nearly often enough.
Regtig mooi!
That’s a lovely butterfly, Dries. I don’t know my butterflies. I will have to compare your photos with some of the orange butterflies we have been photographing lately.
It is actually astonishing just how many of our South African butterflies have Australian relatives that look very similar indeed – further proof I suppose that Africa and Australia were connected many, many years ago.
Yep.
Ooh I must look out for these whenever we next may be able to walk in grasslands again!
And if you carry an overripe pear with you they might come looking for you, Carol!
A tip to remember!
Ek is jammer ek het nie deur die jare ‘n foto van elke insek wat mens sien geneem … dan kon ek sê … Jaaaa, die het ek al gesien.
Nou is net so goeie tyd om te begin!
Beautiful butterfly with a fun name!
It seems butterflies are more prone to interesting names than most other creatures. I don’t mind that at all!
These are the most delightful butterflies – I think their underwings are lovelier than seeing them from above. Such an interesting name it has too.
The interesting names are as much a joy of butterfly-chasing as seeing them are!
Beautiful pattern.
Most definitely, John
A real beauty, Dries. 😍
I’m glad to know you agree, Sylvia!
Another enjoyable name and a lovely butterfly…but the name’s not in the same league as Buffy Pipit! Just sayin’. 🙂
janet
It will be a while before anything gets close to the name of that Bond-girl, Janet! 😀
Ha, ha! That definitely works. 🙂