On the open grassland that is the savanna (Sabana), there are few birds and a lot of insects – ants and termites in particular. Only a select few butterflies are territorial and also not easily disturbed by either flashlight or careful human movements.
This was one of three species that were seen around the path to and from Roraima. This was the most beautiful, but not the most common of the three I noticed. If disturbed it would come back and sit down on either a rock or on the bare soil on the path.
Last updated on 26 January 2014
This is Junonia evarete (Nymphalidae: Nymphalinae). It’s a common species in open scrubby areas, which occurs in various forms. The more typical form for the area is darker than this (ssp. oscura).
Thanks again for your expert input 🙂
Name changed.