About Zophopetes dysmephila (Trimen, 1868)
Zophopetes dysmephila, commonly known as the palm-tree nightfighter, is a butterfly species that belongs to the family Hesperiidae. This species is distributed in Mozambique, Kenya, and South Africa, where its range extends from Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape province to KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces. It inhabits moist savanna and forest environments. The wingspan of males measures 40–49 mm, while the wingspan of females ranges from 45–52 mm. Adult butterflies are active throughout the year, and their activity peaks between November and May in southern Africa. The larvae of Zophopetes dysmephila feed on species from the following palm genera: Chrysalidocarpus, Phoenix, Raphia, Borassus, and Cocos. Known host plants within these genera include Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Phoenix reclinata, Phoenix dactylifera, and Phoenix canariensis.
