Orange Sprite

Description:

Celaenorrhinus galenus, the Common Orange Sprite, is a butterfly in the Hesperiidae family. The vernacular name Orange Sprite is very appropriate, as the butterfly appears bright orange in flight, and is hyperactive, dashing around bushes at incredible speed. I noticed this butterfly often landed on the underside of a leaf. Adrian Hoskins says, "The male spends a lot of time sitting under leaves, with wings outspread, ready to pounce instantly on any small passing insect. When it spots another Celaenorrhinus, or any other orange or yellow skipper, it engages it in a ferocious high-speed aerial battle that can last for several minutes. After each sortie the butterfly nectars for a few moments, and then dashes back beneath another leaf, instantly flipping upside down, and facing outwards ready for the next visitor. A true master of high velocity aerobatics!"

Habitat:

Seen while walking through a wild area at the back of UWEC Uganda Wildlife Education Center, on the shores of Lake Victoria. This species is found in rainforest, including degraded and secondary forest. It also penetrates savannah country in riparian forest, and can be found in arboreta and botanical gardens.

Notes:

UWEC Uganda Wildlife Education Center is a voluntary organisation for conservation education and the rescue of animals orphaned or confiscated from poachers. It is based in Entebbe, on the shores of Lake Victoria. http://www.learnaboutbutterflies.com/Abo...