The Malachite Butterfly (Siproeta stelenes) is captured here from an unusual angle, head-on, with its wings half-open. This perspective highlights not only the perfect symmetry of its antennae and gaze, but also the complex pattern of its wings, a blend of bright green and chocolate brown. This light green color, which earned it its name from the semi-precious stone, acts as camouflage in the canopy, but here, under the soft light of the greenhouse, it shines like a natural jewel.

Native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, this butterfly impresses with its size and the very pronounced veining of its wings. In flight, it alternates between rapid beats and silent glides, giving its movements an almost feline elegance.

In this frontal position, the insect seems almost to stare at us, like a curious creature itself, observing the visitor with as much interest as the visitor contemplates it. This fleeting face-to-face is an invitation to slow down, to enter into the peaceful rhythm of the greenhouse, where each wingbeat is a breath of poetry.