Gegenes niso
The wingspan is 29–33 mm for males and 29–35 mm for females. Males dark brown above, dusted with yellow more so towards wings bases. Females with yellowish patches on fore wings, and a main diffuse patch on hind wings. Undersides of wings yellowish.
Sub-Saharan Africa, including Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa (excluding the northern Cape and the Free State), Swaziland, Lesotho; Gambia; Ghana; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Ivory Coast; Kakamega forest - Kenya; Lesotho; Liberia; Mozambique; Namibia; Nigeria; Senegal; Sierra Leone;
Occupies a wide range of habitats and has a preference for warm localities , including savanna, grassland and open patches in forest.
The flight is fast and specimens are difficult to follow when in flight, often returning briefly to a favourite perch and frequently settle on grass stems. Often the hindwings are opened at a wider angle than the forewings. Both sexes feed from flowers and males mud-puddle. Often frequents gardens with flowering shrubs. Males establish territories in grassy patches using grass stems or low bushes as perches. Territories may be contiguous and the resident males of adjacent territories may spend much time chasing each other out of each other’s territories. The species is on the wing throughout the year but somewhat scarcer from May to September.Adults have long proboscises and are avid flower-visitors - appear very attracted to Plumbago.
Eggs are laid singly on grasses - This skipper is expected to be present wherever its food-plants occur.
Larval food:
• Ehrharta erecta Lam. (Poaceae)
• Pennisetum clandestinum Chiov.
• Themeda triandra Forssk. (Poaceae)
• Cynodon species (Bermuda Grass or Dog’s Tooth Grass).
My Records
Harare, Zimbabwe, Alexandra Park, 30/05/2003; Nelspruit, Mpumulanga South Africa, Botanical gardens,14/04/2003; Near Marondera Zimbabwe at Marondera - Macheke main rd, 04/08/2004 (s18°11'e31°31'); Harare, Zimbabwe, Botanical Gardens, 05/04/2006; Hilton; KZNatal,South AFrica.
