Zeuxidia amethystus

Zeuxidia amethystus

"Zeuxidia amethystus", the common Saturn, is a species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It was described by Arthur Gardiner Butler in 1865.
Saturn - Zeuxidia amethystus  Butterfly,Malaysia,Penang,Saturn,Zeuxidia amethystus

Appearance

This butterfly is relatively large and striking. Its forewings have a broad iridescent-blue band with a similar blue patch on the hindwing.
Saturn - Zeuxidia amethystus victrix Sub-species of Saturn - Zeuxidia amethystus victrix Butterfly,Palawan,Philippines,Zeuxidia amethystus,Zeuxidia amethystus victrix

Distribution

It is not abundant in Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo. It has only be observed in dense forests. It can be approached while feeding on fermenting fallen fruits. Its flight period extends from May to September.

Food

It obtains minerals using mud-puddling behavior and seem to be prefer ammonium ions rather than sodium.

References:

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Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionArthropoda
ClassInsecta
OrderLepidoptera
FamilyNymphalidae
GenusZeuxidia
SpeciesZ. amethystus