Protogoniomorpha parhassus, the forest mother-of-pearl or common mother-of-pearl,[1] is a species of Nymphalidae butterfly found in forested areas of Africa.
The following description is for P. p. aethiops:A large butterfly;[1] the wingspan is 65–80 mm for males and 75–90 mm for females.[3] The male and female are similar in colour and pattern.[1] The base colour of the upper surface of the wings is greenish white with a violet sheen in the wet-season form, and pearly white in the dry-season form.[1] The forewing has a black-tipped, hooked apex. The wings have a few red eyespots which are ringed with black. There are black spots near the margins of both the forewings and hindwings. The underside of the wings has a greenish-white base colour, with eyespots corresponding to those on the upper surface.
This species lays tiny eggs similar to those of Junonia and Precis species.[4]
The larvae are similar to those of Junonia and Precis species, but larger.[4] They feed on Asystasia (A. gangetica[1]), Brillantaisia, Isoglossa (I. woodii[1] and I. mossambicensis [5]), Mimulopsis, and Paulowilhelmia species.[3]
The pupae are similar to those of Junonia and Precis species, but larger.[4]
The flight period of the adults is year round, peaking in summer and autumn.[3] They have a "ponderous, flapping flight which can be quite fast".[1] The males may perch on the leaves of forest trees, while the females stay closer to the ground near the larval food plants.[1] These butterflies roost under leaves at night, and the males sometimes mud-puddle.[1]