Sleepy Orange
Common NameSleepy Orange
Scientific NameEurema nicippe
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyColiadinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsorange, black, yellow
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, roadsides, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSouthern United States, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, and South America; migrates north into central and eastern US
Host PlantsChamaecrista fasciculata, Senna marilandica, various Cassia species
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; March to November in temperate zones
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with a white stripe, feeding on senna leaves. Pupae are green or yellow-green, resembling a leaf or stem.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its bright orange upperside with a broad black forewing border and a pointed forewing apex. The underside is typically uniform yellow-orange, sometimes with a small reddish-brown spot.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with bright orange upperwings, featuring a prominent black border on the forewings. The underside is typically a uniform yellow-orange, sometimes with a small reddish spot.
