Explore the Heart of South Africa: Nature, Culture, Adventure

Rainforest Brown

Afrikaans name: Reënwoud-bosbruintjie

Rainforest Brown butterfly

Photo © Steven Herbert

Cassionympha cassius

The Rainforest Brown is a medium sized butterfly with a wingspan of 3.5 to 4 cm. Females are slightly larger than males.

It is found in a band along the coast from Cape Town through to KwaZulu-Natal then up through Kruger National Park.

The Rainforest Brown may be seen at any time of the year but is most common between September to May.

Despite its name referring to rain forests it may be found in a variety of habitats from forest edges to grasslands.

References and further reading

What s That Butterfly - Author: Steve Woodhall - Published: 2008 - Page: 1173

Pocket Guide - Insects of South Africa - Author: Mike Picker & Charles Griffiths - Published: 2015 - Page: 125

Pollinators, Predators and Parasites - Author: C. Scholtz, J. Scholtz, H. De Klerk - Published: 2021 - Page: 293

Field Guide to Insects of South Africa - Author: Mike Picker, Charles Griffiths and Alan Weaving - Published: 0 - Page: 374

Butterflies of the Western Cape - Author: A.J.M. Claassens - Published: 2005 - Page: 26

Butterflies of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Mark Williams - Published: 1994 - Page: 133

Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Steve Woodhall - Published: 2020 - Page: 68

Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa - 1st edition - Author: Steve Woodhall - Published: 2005 - Page: 62

Familiar South African Butterflies - Author: Clive Quickelberge - Published: 1986 - Page: 19

For more info: The Virtual Museum


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