Cambridge Vagrant
Common NameCambridge Vagrant
Scientific NameCatopsilia pyranthe
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyColiadinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorspale blue, black, greenish-white
HabitatOpen country, gardens, forest clearings, scrubland
Geographic RangeTropical and subtropical Asia (e.g., India, Southeast Asia), parts of Africa, and Australia
Host PlantsSenna tora, Senna occidentalis, Crotalaria, Bauhinia
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with a white lateral stripe. Pupae are green and angular, resembling a leaf.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its pale blue upperside with a black forewing apex and greenish-white underside. Can be confused with other Catopsilia species, but the specific pattern of the black apex and lack of other prominent markings help differentiate it.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with pale blue uppersides on its wings, featuring a prominent black patch at the apex of the forewings. Its underside is typically greenish-white, often with subtle mottling.
