Common name : Malachite
Scientific name : Siproeta stelenes
Family : Nymphalidae
Native to : Central America and Northern
South America
Interesting fact : Named after the colour of the same name, the malachite is bright green and black on the upper side and a beautiful olive green on the underside.
The malachite has a wingspan of 8.5-10 cm. It is one of the most common species found in Central America and also in Northern South America. The diet of the adult is comprised of a bat’s dung, nectar, rotting fruit, dead animals, etc. Eggs are laid on the new leaves of the ruellia plant amongst the other plants of the Acanthaceae species.
