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| Malachite |
Latin
Name: Siproeta stelenes |
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Genus: Siproeta Species: stelenes |
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Comments: |
| Named for the mineral of the same color, the Malachite is considered by many to be the most beautiful butterfly in Florida. A relatively recent colonist to the state, it was a rare find prior to 1965. Now, it is locally common throughout the extreme southern counties. The butterfly is found along the weedy edges of tropical hammocks and within overgrown commercial nurseries and fruit groves. It is a large butterfly with a fast, powerful flight. Adults prefer rotting fruit instead of flower nectar. It is the only large butterfly in Florida with green markings. |
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Life
Cycle: |
Broods: |
multiple generations |
Egg: |
small green eggs laid singly on host leaves |
Larva: |
velvety black with numerous reddish orange branched spines |
Host Plants: |
Green Shrimp Plant |
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Host
Plants: |
Host
Plants: |
Green Shrimp Plant |
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Habitat: |
Habitat: |
hammock edges and adjacent disturbed sites |
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Wingspan: |
Inches: |
2.8 - 3.3 |
Centimeters: |
7.1 - 8.4 |
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Appearance: |
Sexes: |
similar |
Compare: |
unique |
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| Markings: |
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Above:
- brown with large green patches and spots; hindwing bears a short, stubby tail
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Below:
- similar to above with brownish orange wings and green patches
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Abundance: |
occasional; localized |
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Map Legend: Resident (green) | Stray
(Red) |
