The common dotted border have bright white wings with shades of yellow, with black dots along the wing margins. The wingspan is 50–60 millimetres (2.0–2.4 in) for males and 52–65 mm (2.0–2.6 in) for females. The slow-flying adults are on wing year-round, with peaks in October and from late February to April.[3]
Mylothris agathina is commonly found in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands. They prefer areas with abundant flowering plants, as they rely on nectar as a food source such as the Natal Blue Haze (Tetraselago natalensis), which is a great nectar plant found in the threatened grasslands of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
These grasslands are often located near forests, where the butterflies are commonly sighted. Additionally, Mylothris agathina larvae are known to utilize hemiparasitic plants such as Hairy Mistletoe (Erianthemum dregei) and African Sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata) as host plants.
Lifecycle: The lifecycle of Mylothris agathina follows the typical stages of a butterfly: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. The eggs are typically laid on host plants such as Hairy Mistletoe and African Sandalwood, where the caterpillars hatch and feed. The pupae resemble bird droppings.[2]After undergoing metamorphosis, the adult butterflies emerge and begin searching for mates and food.
Batch of eggs oviposited on a leaf
The first instar larvae hatched from the eggs on the host plant.
Mylothris first instar larvae hatching from yellow clustered eggs. Henning, G. A. & Joannou, J. G., Woodhall, S. E.
As caterpillars, Mylothris agathina larvae feed primarily on leaves of host plants within the family Fabaceae (legumes) such as Erianthemum dregei commonly known as Hairy Mistletoe and Osyris compressa (formerly Colpoon compressum) known as African Sandalwood.[4] The gregarious larvae feed on various host plants like Tapinanthus oleifolius, Tapinanthus rubromarginatus, , Teighemia quinquenervia, Ximenia caffra, Osyris lanceolata.[4] As adults, they primarily feed on the nectar of flowering plants, including Tetraselago natalensis , known as Natal Blue Haze and other flowering plants found in their habitat
Mylothris agathina male, underside view, feeding on Natal Blue Haze, Tetraselago natalensis found in the threatened grasslands of KwaZulu-Natal. Woodhall, Steve. Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa, 2nd edition, ISBN 9781775845874, pp. 362-363.
The conservation status of Mylothris agathina is currently not assessed on the IUCN Red List. However, like many butterfly species, they may be susceptible to habitat loss, climate change, and other environmental threats. Conservation efforts may include habitat preservation, restoration projects, and raising awareness about the importance of butterfly conservation.
^Mylothris at Markku Savela's Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms
^ abAlan Weaving; Mike Picker; Griffiths, Charles Llewellyn (2003). Field Guide to Insects of South Africa. New Holland Publishers, Ltd. ISBN1-86872-713-0.
^Woodhall, Steve (2005). Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa. Cape Town, South Africa: Struik. ISBN978-1-86872-724-7.
^ abManning, John (2008). Field Guide to Fynbos. Cape Town: Struik Publishers. ISBN978-1-77007-265-7.
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