Siproeta stelenes (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common Name:
Malachite

Synonyms:

Papilio stelenes (Linnaeus, 1758)

Natural History:

Siproeta stelenes occurs in disturbed forest, and in another  diversified environments. Their caterpillars are black with orange spines (Berti Filho & Cerigoni, 2010). This species is palatable and mimics, showing similar behaviour and colors of Philaetria dido (Heliconiinae) which is a toxic species ((Otero & Marigo, 1990). The green wings can sometimes be confused with the foliage. However quickly stands out and is much admired in butterfly gardens, which can reach a length of 40 days of winged phase (Silva et al. 2013).

Distribution:
Brasil; Costa Rica; Cuba; Ecuador; Guatemala; Honduras; México

Occurence Period:

Occurs throughout the year

Feeding Adult:

Adults feed on nectar, fermented fruits, animal excreta

Feeding Caterpillars:

According compiled by Beccaloni et al. (2008) in Brasil are recorded species of:

Acanthaceae: Ruellia brevifolia

Euphorbiacea: unidentified species

Labiatae: Salvia splendes

Leguminosae/Mimosoideae: Calliandra foliosa

Color:
black, green, cream

Habitat:
open, anthropogenic

Publications:

Berti Filho E., Cerignoni J.A. (2010):

Borboletas. Book., Piracicaba, FEALQ: 1-94

Otero L.S., Marigo L.C. (1990):

Borboletas beleza e comportamento de espécies brasileiras. Book., Marigo Comunicacao Visual: 1-127

Silva A.R.M., Pimenta I.A., Campos-Neto F.C., Vitalino R.F. (2013):

Longevidade de adultos de oito espécies de borboletas (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) criadas em cativeiro. Lundiana. 11 (1/2): 65-67

Beccaloni G.W, Viloria A.L., Hall S.K., Robinson G.S. (2008):

Catalogue of the hostplants of the Neotropical butterflies. Book., London, S.E.A., Ribes, CYTED, Natural History Museum, IVIC: 1-536