Mother of Pearl

Description:

The Forest Mother-of-Pearl or Common Mother-of-Pear (Protogoniomorpha parhassus) is a species of Nymphalidae butterfly found in forested areas of Africa. Males perch on the lower foliage of trees, or at the top of tall bushes, usually with their wings held slightly apart. They swoop down to intercept and chase other passing butterflies, indulging in a spectacular aerial battle, with their shimmering mother-of-pearl iridescence glinting in the sunshine.

Habitat:

Seen at the edge of the forest beside a dirt road leading to the lodge in Mabira tropical forest, central Uganda. South of the main road.

Notes:

Mabira Forest is the only large remaining tract of tropical jungle in central Uganda. A huge sugar cane plantation is ever encroaching on the forest, trying to take it over, and the people are fighting to retain it. This species is found in lowland forest habitats, including degraded forest. It is a sun-loving species, usually seen along logging roads and around the edges of small clearings.