Wernicke's Malachite
Common NameWernicke's Malachite
Scientific NamePhilaethria wernickei
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)85
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, lime green
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeSouth America (e.g., Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia)
Host PlantsPassiflora species
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: eggs laid on host plants, larvae (caterpillars) feed on leaves, pupate into a chrysalis, and emerge as adult butterflies.
Identification TipsIdentified by its distinctive pattern of large, vivid lime green patches on a dark background, particularly the specific arrangement and shape of these markings on the upper wing surfaces.
Description
A large, striking butterfly with a dark brown to black background adorned with prominent, irregular, bright lime green patches across both forewings and hindwings.
