Insect · GBIF taxon 1919213
African Caper
Belenois creonaAlso known as African Common White, Caper White
African capers are energetic, wide-ranging butterflies known for their distinct seasonal dimorphism and mass migratory flights across open landscapes. Males feature crisp white upperwings framed by dark borders, while females display broader brown margins and warm cream to pale yellow underwings. Caterpillars feed voraciously on caper bushes and shepherd's trees, serving as a critical dietary foundation for scrubland insectivores.
MigratorySavannaPierid
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Flower nectar
- Mud puddle minerals
- Capparaceae foliage
Predators
- Birds
- Spiders
- Praying mantises
ThreatsAgricultural conversion, heavy pesticide usage, severe drought
HabitatsSavannas, dry bushveld, arid scrublands, open woodlands, coastal thickets
Life span2–4 weeks (adult stage)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyPieridae
- GenusBelenois
- SpeciesBelenois creona
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Puddle Watching: Look for gatherings of males sipping mineral-rich moisture on damp soil along dirt roads.
- Host Plant Checks: Search shepherd's tree foliage for ribbed eggs or green feeding caterpillars.
- Early Morning Scans: Spot roosting adults resting motionless on grass stems before sunlight warms their bodies.
Image unavailableLarval Host Plant 
Close Relative (c) Mitul and Vijul Singh, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Mitul and Vijul Singh · cc-byClose Relative Family Member
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Mystic Meadows
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