Imperial Jezebel
Common NameImperial Jezebel
Scientific NameDelias harpalyce
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Primary Colorsblack, red, yellow, white
HabitatOpen forests, woodlands, gardens, urban areas
Geographic RangeSoutheastern Australia (New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania)
Host Plantsmistletoe (Amyema spp., Muellerina spp., Dendrophthoe spp.)
Flight PeriodOctober to April (Spring to Autumn in Australia)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in clusters on mistletoe. Larvae are gregarious, feeding on mistletoe, and are often brightly colored. Pupae are also distinctively colored and hang from host plants.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive underside pattern of black, red, yellow, and white, especially the broad yellow band on the hindwing and the red basal patch. Often found flying around or feeding on mistletoe.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with a vibrant underside, featuring a complex pattern of black, red, yellow, and white markings, particularly a broad yellow band on the hindwing costa.
