Saturn 310313

Zeuxidia amethystus amethystus
Saturn
Details
Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Morphinae
Genus: Zeuxidia
Species: amethystus amethystus
Common Name: Saturn
Wingspan:
Forms:
Status in Singapore:
Life History: incomplete
This butterfly can be found in: •Singapore
Hostplant(s):
Description
The Saturn is a medium sized butterfly, usually with a wingspan of 110-130mm. The males are black above, with a broad iridescent blue discal band on the forewing with a large tornal patch of the same colour on the hindwing. In the female, the blue is replaced with a pale yellow fascia and dull orange on the apical area of the hindwings.

Habitat & Habits
The Saturn is a common butterfly along jungle paths, usually feeding on fallen fruits on the forest floor. The cryptic undersides camouflages it very well, amongst the dead leaves and twigs. Very often, as one walks along the paths, the butterfly springs up from the ground as it is disturbed and very quickly flies away.

Other Observations
The species is partial to rotting fruit, e.g. papaya, guava or pineapple, and will come quite readily to the bait.