Insects diurnal

Eastern Scarlet

Axiocerses tjoane

A flash of brilliant red against the African sky, the Eastern Scarlet is a small butterfly with a big personality. Known for its territorial 'dogfights' and stunning silver-spotted underside, it is a jewel of the savanna garden.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Wingspan: 24–34 mm (0.9–1.3 inches)

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Colors

Brilliant scarlet-red to orange-red upperside with broad black margins; underside is mottled reddish-brown with intricate silver-white spots.

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Key Features

Vivid scarlet-red upperside with thick black wing borders
Intricate silver-flecked reddish-brown underside pattern
Short, delicate 'tails' on the hindwings
Distinctive territorial perching behavior on outer twigs

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 10 AM - 3 PM

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Season September-May

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Diet Adults feed exclusively on flower nectar from a variety of shrubs and trees. Larvae consume the foliage of Acacia, Peltophorum, and Brachystegia species.

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Habitat Open woodlands, savanna, thornveld, and suburban gardens containing indigenous host trees.

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Behavior

The Eastern Scarlet is a spirited and highly territorial butterfly frequently seen in the savannas and gardens of East and Southern Africa. Males are particularly notable for their 'perching' behavior; they select a prominent leaf or twig—often at the edge of a clearing—and use it as a lookout. They will aggressively fly out to intercept any passing insect, including larger butterfly species, before returning to the exact same spot.

Beyond their aerial displays, these butterflies have a complex relationship with the local ecosystem. Their larvae are myrmecophilous, meaning they live in a symbiotic partnership with ants. The caterpillars produce a sugary honeydew that ants harvest; in return, the ants protect the larvae from parasitic wasps and other predators. This relationship is so strong that you will rarely find Eastern Scarlet larvae without an accompanying patrol of ants.

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Camera Tips

To successfully capture the Eastern Scarlet on your backyard or trail camera, the most effective strategy is to target their 'perch points.' Look for sun-exposed branches or the outer canopy of a small Acacia tree. Males are creatures of habit and will return to the same twig repeatedly throughout the afternoon. Mount your camera at eye level (roughly 4 to 5 feet) and aim it at these prominent outer branches where the butterfly is likely to land to survey its territory.

Because these butterflies are small and move with incredible speed, standard motion-trigger settings can sometimes be too slow, resulting in empty frames. Use a camera with a high-speed trigger or a 'pre-roll' feature if available. If your camera allows for it, increase the sensitivity and set the photo burst to 3-5 images per trigger. This increases your chances of catching the butterfly with its wings open, revealing the brilliant scarlet color that gives it its name.

Setting up a 'mud-puddling' station is another excellent way to draw them in. During the heat of the day, Eastern Scarlets often descend to the ground to sip moisture and minerals from damp soil. Create a small patch of wet sand mixed with a pinch of sea salt or organic compost in a sunny spot. Position your camera on a low tripod or ground mount, angled slightly upward, just 12-18 inches from the damp patch to get high-detail macro shots.

Lighting is critical for this species. Their scarlet wings have a slight iridescence that looks best when the sun is behind the camera. Position your setup so the morning or mid-day sun illuminates the 'stage' you've chosen. Avoid windy days if possible, as these butterflies tend to shelter deep within the foliage when it's breezy, making them much harder to photograph in the open.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Eastern Scarlet.

Common Scarlet

Nearly identical but has subtle differences in the arrangement of spots on the underside and prefers different host plants.

Kameel Scarlet

Generally smaller with a more orange-tinted upperside and less intense black bordering on the wings.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Eastern Scarlet is most active during the warmest part of the day, typically from late morning through mid-afternoon (10 AM to 3 PM), when the sun provides the energy needed for their rapid flight and territorial defense.

The best way to attract them is to plant indigenous host trees like Acacia or Peltophorum and provide nectar-rich flowers. They are also attracted to damp soil patches, known as mud-puddling spots, where they drink mineral-rich water.

Adults feed on the nectar of various flowering plants. Their caterpillars are more specialized, feeding on the leaves of specific trees including Acacia, Brachystegia, and Peltophorum species.

Yes, they are quite common in suburban gardens across Southern and East Africa, provided there are enough indigenous trees and sunny, sheltered spots for them to establish territories.

The Eastern Scarlet is best identified by its bright red upperside and the specific pattern of silver-white spots on its reddish-brown underside. It is very similar to the Common Scarlet but generally features bolder underside markings.

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