Siproeta stelenes
WINGSPAN 8 to 10cm (3⅛ to 4in)
HABITAT Rainforests, deciduous forests, riverbanks, orchards and gardens
DISTRIBUTION Central to northern South America, Cuba, Brazil
LIFESPAN 30 days
MALES AND FEMALES Males have bright green wings with black stripes, ovals and rectangles; females have similar patterns but are a lighter shade
A truly beautiful butterfly, the Malachite gets its name from the stunning green mineral malachite that also catches the light because it contains copper compounds. Sometimes called the Pearly Malachite, the adult males are often seen in groups roosting on the lower leaves of plants and shrubs. They patrol the air for mates and feast on rotting fruit, flower nectar and bat dung. In the Middle Ages, people believed that wearing or carrying a piece of malachite would protect them from the ‘evil eye’. Even today, some believe that this stone can alleviate the fear of flying. This magnificent butterfly of the same name would most likely agree!