Insect · GBIF taxon 4299213
Malachite
Siproeta stelenesAlso known as Malachite Butterfly
Malachite butterflies showcase brilliant translucent green patches framed by deep brown-black wings, mimicking the mineral for which they are named. They glide gracefully along subtropical forest borders, mango orchards, and sunlit clearings, frequently descending to feed on fermenting fruit, tree sap, or bird droppings. Females lay green eggs on host plants in the acanthus family, where spiky caterpillars feed before transforming into jade-green chrysalises.
ColorfulNeotropicalPollinator
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Flower nectar
- Fermenting fruit
- Tree sap
Predators
- Birds
- Lizards
- Orb-weaver spiders
ThreatsDeforestation and agricultural pesticide use
HabitatsSubtropical forests, orchards, citrus groves, and garden edges
Life span1 to 4 months
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyNymphalidae
- GenusSiproeta
- SpeciesSiproeta stelenes
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Look for them gliding slowly along sunny forest edges and citrus groves during warm mornings.
- Attracting: Set out trays of fermenting bananas, mangoes, or oranges in shaded garden areas.
- Observation: Approach gently while they are distracted feeding on sap or fallen fruit.
Frequent Companion (c) Carlos Alexandre Mattos Raposo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Carlos Alexandre Mattos Raposo · cc-by-sa
Frequent Companion (c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Frank Thomas Sautter · cc0
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