Common Mother-of-Pearl
Common NameCommon Mother-of-Pearl
Scientific NameSalamis parhassus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Primary Colorspink, purple, green, blue, black
HabitatTropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeSub-Saharan Africa
Host PlantsAcanthus species
Flight PeriodYear-round (more abundant in wet seasons)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are spiny, and pupae are typically green or brown, suspended upside down.
Identification TipsLook for its large size, the striking iridescent mother-of-pearl sheen with pastel colors, the scalloped wing edges, and the distinct black eyespots on both forewings and hindwings.
Description
A large, iridescent butterfly with pastel pink and purple hues, featuring a greenish-blue sheen near the forewing costa, prominent black eyespots, and distinctively scalloped wing margins.
