African Joker (Byblia anvatara)

African Joker (Byblia anvatara) Distributed in Sub-Saharan Africa, similar to the Indian Joker species which also extends to Africa and co-occurs in some parts. Although, I am yet to meet the Indian species, I got to meet this in Foret de Ko, Benin in November 2019.

References:

• Wikipedia
• IUCN

Fashion Commodore (Precis pelarga)

The Fashion Commodore (Precis pelarga) belongs to the Nymphalidae family and is commonly found in the Afrotropical region. I've had the privilege of encountering this butterfly in Benin on multiple occasions. The genus Precis is native to Africa and comprises approximately 17 distinct species.

Initially, I mistook this butterfly for a Pansy (Junonia) species due to its striking resemblance. It's fascinating to note that both of my observations of the Fashion Commodore were in well-wooded areas, where these butterflies seem to thrive and find their natural habitat.

 

References:

• Wikipedia
• iNaturalist records: 18403152, 18403153, 36366549

Rainbow Agama (Agama agama)

In my Benin, West Africa visit, the first reptile I encountered was this beautiful Rainbow Agama (Agama agama) also referred as Common Agama or Red Headed Agama belonging to Agamidae family. This is widely distributed in Sub Saharan Africa. There are about 40 species in this genus.

This seems to be most common and omnipresent reptile in Benin. The males have this orange head and rainbow like color patterns on the tail. The females have more grey brown coloration with intricate patterns on the head.

References:

• My Agama records from Benin
• Agama on Wikipedia