MONTESEEL BUTTERFLIES

Monteseel is blessed to be surrounded by pristine KZN sandstone sourveld (KZNSS) grassland, a habitat that is being depleted by the encroachment of hard infrastructure and human habitation at an alarming rate. Only 20% of this habitat 450m above sea level remains from historical levels (eThekwini State of Biodiversity Report, 2018-2019; Monteseel has an elevation of 750-820m). The Metro has taken the step of purchasing land around the fringes, within the red boundary lines seen below:

This will serve to protect the many diverse species of life that inhabits these areas, including butterflies. In addition, there are some thickly forested areas that are virtually impenetrable and inhabited by some of the forest-dwelling specialists. In the short time I’ve spent looking for butterflies in the four areas to the north, south, east and west of the area, 78 species have been seen, including the endangered Yellowish rocksitter, Durbania amakoza flavida, a KZNSS endemic. This specialist butterfly does not feed as an adult, has a short lifespan and is only seen on the wing between November and December. Another specialist is the Basuto skolly, Thestor basuta basuta, which also does not feed as an adult and has a symbiotic relationship with the ant, Anaplolepis custodiens. Other notable species can be seen in the accompanying photographs.

Yellowish rocksitter, Durbania amakoza flavida

The areas investigated showed the potential for the area to be considered a butterfly hot-spot, and it could be well worthwhile to develop safe hiking trails to make the areas more easily accessible. It was also noted that there is considerable Lantana camera infestation, and although a good butterfly nectar plant, should be eradicated if the rich floral diversity is to be preserved.
Mark Liptrot January 2021

The Monteseel Conservancy would like to thank Mark Liptrot for all these beautiful photos of butterflies he has taken in Monteseel during his field work over the last couple of weeks.

Click to enlarge picture and to view the name of each butterfly. Enjoy scrolling through the gallery.