TAXONOMY
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies)
Family: Nymphalidae (Brush-footed Butterflies)
Genus/species: Siproeta stelenes
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS: Upperside dark black-brown with translucent yellow to lime–green patches. Underside orange-brown with greenish patches.
Wing Span: 8.3 – 10.1 cm (3.3 – 3.9 in)
Wing bottom or ventral surface
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Common resident throughout Central and northern South America. In U.S., found in southern Texas and south Florida. Found in subtropical evergreen and semi-deciduous forests as well as fruit orchards in Florida.
DIET IN THE WILD: Caterpillars: host plants of the family Acanthaceae. Adults: rotting fruit; occasionally bird droppings and nectar.
REPRODUCTION: Eggs laid singly on host plant leaves. In warmest climates, up to four broods per year.
REMARKS: Named for the mineral malachite, reminiscent of the bright green of the wings. Adults roost together under the leaves of low shrubs. Green and black coloration provides excellent camouflage.
References
flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/cas_docents/sets/72157608449327886/
California Academy of Sciences Rainforest 2017
flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/cas_docents/sets/72157608449327886/
WordPress Shortlink wp.me/p1DZ4b-146
butterflies and moths of North America www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/siproeta-stelenes
Iowa State University Bug Guide bugguide.net/node/view/2767
Ron's Critter of the Day 