The Painted Jezebel
Image: Shubina Arina (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Common NameThe Painted Jezebel
Scientific NameDelias hyparete
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)70
Primary Colorswhite, black, yellow, red, orange
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, open woodlands, gardens
Geographic RangeSouth and Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, China)
Host Plantsmistletoe (Loranthaceae)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesFemales lay eggs on mistletoe host plants. The larvae are gregarious, feeding on the leaves, and are often brightly colored as a warning. Pupation occurs on the host plant or nearby.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the strong black venation on white wings, the black apex of the forewing, and the distinctive bright red/orange/yellow band on the underside of the hindwing.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with white forewings featuring prominent black veins and a black apex. The underside of the hindwings displays a striking pattern of white with a broad, bright red, orange, or yellow submarginal band.
