Blotched Leopard butterfly
Afrikaans name: Vaalkolluiperd

Photo © Steven Herbert
Lachnoptera ayresii
The Blotched Leopard butterfly occurs in a broad band up the eastern region of South Africa from Port St. Johns to Limpopo province.
They are found in a variety of habitats including forest edges, wetlands and mountainous areas. It is particularly common in forest regions.
Female Blotched Leopards are slightly larger than males and have a wing-span of up to 5.5 cm.
They may be seen all year round but the population peaks at the end of summer into autumn.
References and further reading
Butterflies of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Mark Williams - Year Published: 1994 - Page: 67Butterflies of the Kruger National Park - Author: Johan Kloppers and the late Dr. G. Van Son - Year Published: 1978 - Page: 71
Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa - Author: Steve Woodhall - Year Published: 2005 - Page: 100
Ivor Migdoll's Field Guide to the Butterflies of Southern Africa - Author: Ivor Migdoll - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 174
What's That Butterfly - Author: Steve Woodhall - Year Published: 2008 - Page: 989