SALAMIS ANACARDII

SALAMIS ANACARDII (Salamis anacardii)

Phylum — arthropoda
Class — insecta
Order — lepidoptera
Family — nymphalidae

Genus – salamis

Appearance

The caterpillars are dark red with black stripes and long branching black spines.

The wingspan is 55–68 mm for males and 65–75 mm for females. The upper surface of the wings is greenish-white with a mother-of-pearl tint. It is stunningly beautiful in flight with flashes of pink, purple, yellow and green as the angle of the wings changes in the sunlight. The edges of the wings are black. There are eyespots on the wings. Hind wings have got small tails. The underside is more faded.

Habitat

The butterfly lives in Africa and in Madagascar.

Behavior

It demonstrates daily activity. Its flight period is year-round, peaking in summer and autumn.

Males are often found on wet ground where they absorb moisture with minerals.

Diet

The species larval food is Asystasia, Brillantaisia, Isoglossa, Justicia, Mimulopsis, and Paulowilhelmia species.

Butterflies feed on nectar.

Reproduction

For their reproduction you need a terrarium with a size of 50 x 50 x 70 cm. The females lay their eggs on the young shoots of the forage plant. Eggs are white, rounded. It is better to keep the caterpillars in terrariums for 6-8 insects placing a pot with a forage plant in it. The temperature is 22-25 ^oC at the humidity of 60-70%. The pupa is dull brown with spines.

In captivity

The mesh terrarium with a size of 50 × 50 × 70 mm is suitable for keeping butterflies. Room temperature is necessary. Daylight time is 12 hours. You can feed the butterflies with honey syrup diluted with boiled water in a ratio of 1: 10.