I am always astounded by the changes that happen in the Bushveld, and nowhere is this more apparent than when returning from vacation. Within a matter of weeks, the landscape transforms. Upon my last return to Londolozi, I immediately noticed how tall the grass had grown across the reserve. By late summer, the grasses are in full force, their inflorescences primed to disperse seeds in preparation for the next season. Hidden like little gems among the long grass, a plethora of wildflowers have also emerged, adding vibrant splashes of colour to the landscape.

A dazzle of zebra gathers in one of the open grasslands, where the long grass of the end of summer is now evident.

With this abundance comes an opportunity for butterflies to thrive—and thrive they have.

With this in mind, I thought it would be a great opportunity to explore some of the more common butterfly species we see here at Londolozi and the fascinating roles they play in this ecosystem.

Why Are There So Many Butterflies Right Now?

Butterfly populations at Londolozi peak in the summer months (November to March), coinciding with the rainy season. This period provides the ideal conditions for their lifecycle:

• Abundant nectar sources – Flowers are in full bloom, offering a rich food supply.
• Plenty of host plants – Caterpillars need fresh leaves to feed on, which are plentiful after the rains.
• Warm temperatures – Butterflies are ectothermic, meaning they rely on heat to remain active.

Butterfly One Pip Policeman Flower

After a dry winter, the return of moisture triggers the emergence of butterflies in large numbers, often forming breathtaking swarms in sunlit clearings and near water sources.

Common Butterflies Seen at Londolozi

Londolozi’s diverse habitats support an incredible variety of butterflies. Some of the most frequently spotted species include:

1. African Monarch (Danaus chrysippus)

One of the most recognizable butterflies at Londolozi, the African Monarch is closely related to the North American Monarch but has adapted to African ecosystems. This species is commonly found gliding over open grasslands and along bush paths. It lays its eggs on milkweed plants and typically in the Lowveld on the string of stars plant, which contains toxic compounds that make both the caterpillar and adult butterfly unpalatable to predators. Interestingly, some birds have learned to eat only the less toxic parts of the butterfly, showcasing an ongoing evolutionary arms race. The slow, floating flight of the African Monarch is a warning to would-be predators of its unpalatable nature.

2. Citrus Swallowtail (Papilio demodocus)

Bold and beautiful, the Citrus Swallowtail is one of the largest and most striking butterflies in the reserve. Its black and yellow patterned wings create an eye-catching display, especially when it flutters around fruiting trees in search of nectar. The caterpillars of this species have an incredible camouflage trick—in their early stages, they resemble bird droppings, helping them avoid predation. As they grow, they develop a green colouration that blends seamlessly with leaves. These butterflies are powerful fliers and can often be seen gracefully gliding between trees in the warm afternoon sun.

3. Autumn-leaf Vagrant (Eronia leda)

A fascinating butterfly known for its seasonal variations, the Autumn-leaf Vagrant undergoes a striking transformation between wet and dry seasons. In summer, it displays bright yellow wings with black markings, while in winter, it adopts a more muted, leaf-like appearance to blend into its surroundings. This species is often seen fluttering energetically through Londolozi’s open woodlands and grasslands, feeding on nectar from wildflowers.

4. Broad-bordered Grass Yellow (Eurema brigitta)

One of the most abundant butterflies during Londolozi’s rainy season, the Broad-bordered Grass Yellow is a small but lively species. Its bright yellow wings edged with a fine black border, make it easy to spot as it flits rapidly from flower to flower. Unlike some larger butterflies, this species has an erratic, darting flight pattern that helps it evade predators. It thrives in open grasslands and along the edges of woodlands, where it takes full advantage of seasonal wildflowers. These butterflies are often seen congregating near damp soil, where they engage in mud-puddling—a behaviour in which they extract essential minerals from the ground to supplement their diet.

Small Grass Yellow (Eurema brigitta) butterfly on the ground

5. Boisduval’s False Acraea (Acraea boisduvalii)

A delicate yet striking butterfly, Boisduval’s False Acraea is often seen fluttering gracefully near flowering plants. Its translucent orange wings edged with black, give it a distinctive appearance. This species belongs to a group of butterflies that derive protection from their toxic host plants, making them unpalatable to predators. They are commonly found in open grasslands and woodland edges, particularly during the wet season when their numbers surge.

Pseudacraea boisduvali trimeni / Faux-acraéa de Boisduval

Butterflies and the Londolozi Environment

Londolozi’s riverine forests, grasslands, and open woodlands create a perfect mosaic of butterfly habitats. The Sand River, which runs through the reserve, is particularly important for many butterfly species, as its moisture-rich environment supports flowering plants year-round.

Another commonly seen butterfly at Londolozi is the Dark Blue Pansy (Junonia oenone oenone)

Additionally, Londolozi’s commitment to conservation has helped maintain high butterfly diversity. Unlike heavily developed areas where pesticides and habitat destruction reduce butterfly numbers, Londolozi provides a pristine environment where butterflies can thrive naturally.

Aloes are always a hive of activity, attracting butterflies that feed on their nectar.

The Butterfly Effect: Why They Matter

While butterflies are beautiful to watch, they also serve critical ecological functions:

• Pollination – Many plants depend on butterflies to transfer pollen, supporting biodiversity.
• Food for other species – Butterflies, caterpillars, and pupae are an essential part of the food chain, feeding birds, frogs, and small mammals.
• Environmental indicators – Because they are sensitive to climate and habitat changes, butterflies act as a natural barometer of ecosystem health. A high number of butterflies usually signals a flourishing environment.

White-fronted Bee-eaters regularly catch butterflies on the wing during the summer months.

A Final Thought

The butterfly boom at Londolozi is not just a seasonal phenomenon—it’s a reminder of the intricate connections in nature. Their fleeting yet spectacular presence signals a healthy, thriving ecosystem, shaped by the rhythms of rainfall, plant growth, and conservation efforts.

Here a White Fronted Bee-Eater is tossing a Guinea Fowl Butterfly down the hatch.

For those lucky enough to be at Londolozi right now, take a moment to appreciate these winged wonders. Whether they’re dancing through the golden afternoon light or resting delicately on a flower, butterflies embody the magic of this landscape—a magic that changes with the seasons but never fades.