Orange Forester
Euphaedra medon (?)
Observed along a path through Kakamega Forest, Kenya, October 2016.
As implied by the common name these butterflies appear in forested areas generally at lower elevations. The caterpillars feed on leaves of several small trees in the soapberry family. The adults tend to alight on forest paths where dappled sunlight illuminates their brilliant colors. There are many species and there is significant variation such that separating them is a difficult endeavor. Notice the tattered wings: after a few weeks as an adult butterfly most show the scars of several predation attempts. The brittle wings often allow escape but then flight is slowed and less agile making them even more vulnerable next time.