Perched delicately on one of the greenhouse's skylights, this Siproeta stelenes, nicknamed Malachite, seems drawn to the diffused glare of daylight. Its silhouette stands out against the glass, wings open, revealing a striking pattern of soft yellow-green and deep brown, as if it were carrying the veins of tropical foliage on its back.

This butterfly, native to Central and South America, is instantly recognizable by its unique color palette, reminiscent of the precious stone from which it is named. Unlike many tropical butterflies that prefer damp shade, the Malachite does not hesitate to soar high, exploring sunny areas of the canopy or, as here, the upper reaches of the greenhouse.

Its flight is both swift and undulating, often at the edges of clearings, where it searches for nectar from luminous flowers. When it lands, it is often brief, which makes this photograph all the more precious. This behavior, combined with its large wingspan and vibrant colors, makes it one of the most photogenic and frequently observed butterflies in tropical greenhouses.

Between glass, light, and chlorophyll, this butterfly seems to embody the perfect fusion of mineral, plant, and air.