Malachite

The Malachite (Siproeta stelenes) butterfly is a neo-tropical species in the brush foot family of butterflies. This species ranges throughout Central American and south to Brazil. They can be found in southern Texas, the southern tip of Florida and in Cuba.

Until recent years the Malachite was only found in extreme southern Florida, usually not much more north than Miami. The warming trend of recent years had changed this range and this species can now be seen as far north as Sarasota. Following this trend, Malachites may range north into Central Florida in the next 20 years.

Malachite butterflies are pale green and brown on the underside and a brilliant translucent green and black on the upper sides of their wings. At rest, the butterflies can often be found upside down, hanging from the underside of a leaf. With this placement and their unique coloring, they are very hard to find when not moving. 

Adults feed on flower nectar but will also consume rotting fruit, mud, animal dung and even dead animals.

The larva are black with branching spines and have red markings. This species hosts on Green Shrimp Plant (Blechum pyramidatum) and Ruellia species.

Through a purchase from a South Florida breeder, we are happy to be exhibiting Malachite butterflies through the next several weeks. Come on out and see them. They are truly spectacular.