Hypolimnas misippus
The Common Diadem is a large butterfly with a wingspan of 6 to 8cm. The males are distinctive with a velvety black and blue sheen and striking white blotches to the top of their wings, while the females are excellent mimics of the notoriously foul-tasting African Monarch, which supposedly aids in evading predators. With the exclusion of the arid western parts of the country the Common Diadem is widely distributed in South Africa, being found in habitats ranging from grassland and savanna to forest edges, parks and gardens. It is one of the most widespread species of butterfly and, apart from Africa, is also found in parts of Asia, Australia and the Caribbean (the females in different parts of the world mimic different kinds of butterflies). Adults can be seen throughout the year though they’re much more common in the late summer months.
You have some lovely pics here. Interesting that in other regions the female “mimics” other species. These butterflies visit our garden and I recognize the male colouration. I will have to be more careful observing the females though.
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You’ll immediately pick up a Monarch that’s flying a bit “odd”, Carol – though they look strikingly similar their flight-manner is noticeably different.
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That is useful to know – thanks. I will keep an eye out!
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Wow another beauty! Definitely not ‘common’ looking!
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Not at all. We should have used the lockdown to come up with names better suited to all these “common” creatures…
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The male is so handsome. Great photos, Dries. They don’t look very common to me. 😃
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You are right, Sylvia. I think whoever named so many animals and plants “common” were just plain lazy!
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Gorgeous images Dries and what a wonderful butterfly! 🤗
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Thank you kindly, Xenia!
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I don’t believe I’ve ever seen one like that before, Dries.
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Perhaps next time you are out on a walk you’ll stumble into one – Murphy can be funny that way!
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Yep, I’m sure I’ll see them everywhere now. 🙂
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Superb looking insect and like some other butterflies the underwing is (to me) more beautiful, thanks for sharing.
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That’s a wonderful and very true observation!
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I shall have to keep an eye out for these.
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I hope you find one soon, Anne!
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what a beauty
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Glad you like it as much as we do, Gavin!
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So delicate and beautiful.
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Perfect attributes for a butterfly!
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What an impressive looking butterfly!
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Very true, Anne! A joy to see.
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