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Darker Commodore

Genus: Precis antilope

* Species to this genus are robust, medium-sized, brightly coloured nymphalines.
* Their flight is fast, agile. They are often found sitting on the ground with their wings slowly opening and closing.
* Very fond of flowers.
* Eggs are laid singly. Bulb-shaped, green to yellowish in colour.
* Male wingspan: 40 - 55 mm
* Female wingspan: 50 - 60 mm

The Darker Commodore's flight is slow for a specie from this genus - and it is often seen on flowers or rocks.

Distribution: Scarce and localised. Lowland Forests, Savanna and lowveld areas from KwaZulu Natal ( Eshowe and Maputaland) to Swaziland, Mpumalanga and Limpopo and North West, as far south as in Brits.
Habitat: Hill tops and flatlands
Flight Period: antilope - December to March, and simia from April to August.





First photo shows Male upperside and second photo shows upper and little bit of male underside - f.antilope

Photo taken end of December 2009 at Nylsvley Nature Reserve.