Chief

Afrikaans name: Toordokter

Chief butterfly

Photo © Steven Herbert

Amauris echeria echeria

The Chief is a large butterfly with females, who are larger than males, reaching a wingspan of 7 cm. It is quite similar to the Layman butterfly (Amauris albimaculata albimaculata) but that species has white patches and spots on the upperside of its forewings but the Chief has buff patches and spots.

The Chief may be seen all year round although it is more common in summer and autumn.

This butterfly prefers forests edges but may also be seen in grasslands, parks and gardens.

It is found along the coast from George, through KwaZulu-Natal to Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

References and further reading

Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Steve Woodhall - Published: 2020 - Page: 46

Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa - 1st edition - Author: Steve Woodhall - Published: 2005 - Page: 38

Whats That Butterfly - Author: Steve Woodhall - Published: 2008 - Page: 526

Southern African Wildlife - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 342

Butterflies of the Western Cape - Author: A.J.M. Claassens - Published: 2005 - Page: 20

Butterflies of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Mark Williams - Published: 1994 - Page: 152

Butterflies of the Kruger National Park - Author: Johan Kloppers and the late Dr. G. Van Son - Published: 1978 - Page: 58

For more info: The Virtual Museum

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