Siproeta stelenes
Malachite Butterfly ( Siproeta stelenes )
The Malachite Butterfly ( Siproeta stelenes ) is a butterfly ( butterfly ) of the family Nymphalidae ( Nymphalidae ).
- 5.1 Notes and references
- 5.2 Literature
Description
Butterfly
The wingspan of the moth is 83-101 millimeters. The basic color is black to black-brown. On the fore wings are several large, yellow -green to malachitgrüne short transverse bands and spots. Because of the similarity of this color to the mineral malachite was the way its German name. For the longer flown moths or collection copies the faded green color and then assumes yellowish tints. Also on the hind wings there is a large patch of green that fills the entire root area. There is also a chain of green spots that run along the outer edge. In the vicinity of a short black Tornus tail can be seen. The underwings show a similar pattern as the green spot tops, but the color is more orange or brownish in color.
Egg
The eggs are dark green in color and are usually laid singly on the underside of the food plants.
Caterpillar
Adults caterpillars have a black base color and are fitted on the back and sides with many black and fleshy red thorns. On the head are two long, thin, black, straight horns, the spherical phased out at the end.
Doll
The Stürzpuppe has a pale green color, covered with black spots and has two long horns on the head. The cremaster is black.
Similar Species
The somewhat smaller but similar in color splendor Passion Butterfly ( Philaethria dido ) differs mainly by the longer and narrower wing shape and a green vertical stripes on the front upper wing surface.
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of Malachitfalters includes the south of Texas and Florida, Central America and large parts of northern and central South America. The species prefers to live in subtropical forests.
Way of life
The moths fly in several generations throughout the year. To accommodate nectar they like to suck on various flowers. They also record fluid and minerals from damp soil sites, overripe fruit, feces or carrion. Sometimes they raced in groups in the vegetation. The caterpillars feed on, among others, from the leaves of acanthus ( Acanthaceae ), for example by Ruellien ( Ruellia ) and Justicia species.
Subspecies
The following subspecies are distinguished:
- Siproeta stelenes stelenes in Jamaica and Saint Croix
- Siproeta stelenes biplagiata in Mexico, Honduras, and Costa Rica
- Siproeta stelenes insularis in Cuba
- Siproeta stelenes meridiomalis in Brazil and Peru
- Siproeta stelenes Sophene in Ecuador