The Charaxinae Butterflies of Africa

The Charaxinae Butterflies of Africa by Stephen Frank Henning, published in 1988 by Aloe Books in Johannesburg, is a landmark monograph and the first comprehensive treatment of the butterfly subfamily Charaxinae across the Afrotropical region. It focuses on three genera: Charaxes, Palla, and Euxanthe, offering detailed coverage of all 162 known species at the time.

Key Features:

Extensive Illustrations: The book contains over 750 full-color illustrations, including life-size depictions of adult butterflies and detailed images of early developmental stages (eggs, larvae, and pupae) for approximately 160 species and subspecies.

Diagnostic Tools: It provides identification keys for all species and higher taxonomic groups, along with numerous line drawings highlighting diagnostic characteristics of caterpillars.

Scientific Contributions: The work describes three new species and sixteen new subspecies, contributing significantly to the taxonomy of Afrotropical butterflies.

Comprehensive Appendices: Includes a synoptic list of all Charaxinae species, a food plant list, and a country-by-country species checklist for the Afrotropical region.

Publication Details: The Hardcover edition spans 457 pages and measures approximately 33.5 x 24.5 cm. A special collector’s edition was also released, limited to 100 numbered copies signed by the author and bound in art leather with a slipcase.

This authoritative volume is considered essential for lepidopterists, entomologists, and naturalists interested in African butterfly biodiversity. It is highly sought after and often available through specialist natural history booksellers and collectors’ markets.