Leptosia alcesta
The Afrikaans name for the African Wood White, “Fladderpapiertjie”, which translates to “fluttering piece of paper”, perfectly describes the undulating motion of this tiny, bright white butterfly as it restlessly flies around in the deep shade of the forest understory.
Eggs are laid singly on plants from the Capparis or Maerua genera on which the larvae feeds. The pupae are equally tiny, being only slightly bigger than the head of a match. Adults have a wingspan of only 3-4cm and are seen throughout the year.
In South Africa, the African Wood White is found in coastal, riverine and montane forest habitats in Kwazulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. It further occurs in suitable habitat throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
African Wood White
African Wood White
African Wood White (photo by Joubert)
African Wood White (photo by Joubert)
African Wood White (photo by Joubert)
African Wood White (photo by Joubert)
African Wood White (photo by Joubert)
African Wood White (photo by Joubert)
African Wood White (photo by Joubert)
DeWetsWild 
Such a brilliant white! Love the name too and Joubert’s ‘Bokeh’ image is lovely.
Joubert’ll be very glad to hear about comment when I tell him this morning, thanks Sylvia!
👏🏻
So beautiful and delicate, and such an apt name!
A perfect description, Carol!
so delicate
Very true!
Great photos of this African Wood White butterfly, some with nice blurry background!
Thanks, Hien. I think Joubert did quite well considering the gloomy light on the forest floor.
What a perfect name and congrats to the major photographer. 🙂
Thank you, Janet! The darkness of the forest made it very difficult – I was most impressed with Joubert’s efforts!
Oulike naam vir die outjie. Hy fladder beslis soos n stukkie papiertjie. Beslis n vinnige enetjie.
Ek was baie beindruk met Joubert se fotos so in die donker woud.
Hy het beslis baie geduld om sulke fotos te neem.
Nice little butterfly! 🙂
Absolutely, H.J.
Love that name and description. Nice job capturing the images (both yours and Joubert’s).
Thank you so much, John!
I always admire your butterfly photographs, but these ones are special. Well done on getting them in different positions, which make them look far from static.
That is very kind of you, Anne, and will make Joubert very happy to hear – 7 of the 9 photos in this post was taken by him.
Well done Joubert!!!!!
Soon I’ll need to start paying royalties…
Love the name fladderpapiertjie. Afrikaans has such a special way of describing things 😊
I know I am biased, but I have to agree with you, Ally.