DIRA CLYTUS CLYTUS

Kaapse herfsnooientjie (Afr.)

Western Cape Autumn Widow (Eng.)

INTRO

The Western Cape Autumn Widow could just as well be called the Merry Widow. It flutters and frolics through the fynbos in March and April, bringing joy and a smile to the face.

Confined to the south-western Cape coastal regions, it is a familiar and delightful sight in Rooiels during autumn.

DESCRIPTION

At first glance, the Autumn Widow appears black. But when one settles nearby—or even on your hand—its velvety wings reveal a rich brown colouring.

Look closer and you’ll notice delicate blue spots, orange rings, and soft splashes of yellow. Males and females are similar in appearance, although the female tends to have rounder wings and a slightly stouter body.

LIFE CYCLE & PREDATORS

In autumn, males and females can be seen fluttering and circling above grasses such as kikuyu and buffalo grass. After mating, the female flies low over the grass, scattering her eggs among the tips.

The larvae hatch and feed on the grass at night, remaining hidden during the day to avoid predators. Garden birds such as rock thrushes, fiscal flycatchers, and wagtails are always on the lookout for an easy meal.

After many months—often close to a year—the larvae retreat into a grass tuft, where they pupate.

With the return of autumn, they emerge once again as these lively, frolicking butterflies.