The Western Cape Autumn Widow butterfly, scientifically known as Dira clytus, is a species found in South Africa. It's characterized by a wingspan of 45-55 mm and is typically on the wing from late February to April, with a single generation per year. The adults are most active in the mornings and are often seen fluttering in grassy areas, according to the Steenbok Nature Reserve. The larvae feed on various grass species, including Ehrharta erecta, Pennisetum clandestinum, and Stenotaphrum secundatum, says Wikipedia.
Their life cycle is a long one as the butterflies are only evident for a few weeks in Autumn. They then lay eggs on LONG grass, the eggs hatch and the little caterpillars eat the LONG grass and then pupate and wait for the following year.
Subspecies
Dira clytus clytus — south-western Cape
Dira clytus eurina Quickelberge, 1978 — southern Cape.
