Species of butterfly
Protogoniomorpha parhassus, the forest mother-of-pearl[1] or common mother-of-pearl,[2][3] is a species of Nymphalidae butterfly found in forested areas of Africa.
Subspecies
Description
The following description is for P. p. aethiops:
A large butterfly;[3] the wingspan is 65–80 mm for males and 75–90 mm for females.[2] The male and female are similar in colour and pattern.[3] The base colour of the upper surface of the wings is greenish white with a violet sheen in the wet-season form, and pearly white in the dry-season form.[3] The forewing has a black-tipped, hooked apex. The wings have a few red eyespots which are ringed with black. There are black spots near the margins of both the forewings and hindwings. The underside of the wings has a greenish-white base colour, with eyespots corresponding to those on the upper surface.
Life cycle
Eggs
This species lays tiny eggs similar to those of Junonia and Precis species.[5]
Larvae
The larvae are similar to those of Junonia and Precis species, but larger.[5] They feed on Asystasia (A. gangetica[3]), Brillantaisia, Isoglossa (I. woodii[3] and I. mossambicensis [6]), Mimulopsis, and Paulowilhelmia species.[1][2]
Pupae
The pupae are similar to those of Junonia and Precis species, but larger.[5]
Adults
The flight period of the adults is year round, peaking in summer and autumn.[2] They have a "ponderous, flapping flight which can be quite fast".[3] The males may perch on the leaves of forest trees, while the females stay closer to the ground near the larval food plants.[3] These butterflies roost under leaves at night, and the males sometimes mud-puddle.[3]
Gallery
References
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Protogoniomorpha parhassus | |
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Papilio parhassus | |
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