African Caper White
Belenois aurota ?
Observed in a secondary woodland in Nairobi, Kenya, July 2014.
The first thing most people notice about a butterfly is its color and can then be confused when they discover that many kinds of butterflies display a wide range of colors and markings within the same species. The Caper White can have very narrow or wide black lines and borders. In addition the base color, especially the underside, can be yellow or orange hued, or else pure white. The result is a confusion of names and taxonomy! The larva of this butterfly feeds on the leaves of various caper species.
Among puddling butterflies near Nakuru, Kenya, July 2014.
Puddles of water often attract butterflies, sometimes in phenomenal numbers. As you can see the butterfly above has extended its proboscis for a drink. Water is of course important to the butterflies physiology, but the minerals dissolved in the water are the main attraction. Grazing animals for example excrete minerals in feces and urine some of which get washed into pooled water. Carrion is also a rich source of minerals and attracts butterflies.