The
Yamfly is a small but conspicuous butterfly which shares the same habitat
with the prettier Branded
Imperial. Indeed, both species feed on young shoots of the jungle
creeper, Smilax, and can usually be found not far from their host
plant.
The Yamfly is reddish orange
on the upperside, with a black apical border on the forewings. The
underside is orange yellow with some obscure markings. The tails
are tipped with white and twirl in slight breeze, in the hope of fooling
predators that this is the head of the butterfly.
The species is not often seen,
but where encountered, it is usually found singly. The butterfly
enjoys basking in bright sunlit spots and normally flies at low levels
where it flits from perch to perch. |