The African Leopard Fritillary (Phalanta eurytis eurytis) is a common butterfly across Africa.

The African Leopard Fritillary is a medium-sized butterfly are a rich orange colour, covered with dark-coloured fine lines and spots. The underside of its wings is pale orange that makes the butterfly look like a dry leaf.

African Leopard Fritillary Butterfly

It grows to 2.5 centimetres (one inch) long with a wingspan of 4 centimetres (1.5 inches).

It lives in many different habitats, from woods and forests to open grasslands to parks and gardens. It prefers to live near streams, rivers, and moist areas.

Unlike most butterflies that rest with their wings vertical, the African Leopard Fritillary basks in the sunshine with open wings.

African Leopard Fritillary Butterfly

African Leopard Fritillary Butterfly

African Leopard Fritillary Butterfly

African Leopard Fritillary Butterfly

African Leopard Fritillary Butterfly

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM