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Large Orange Sulphur
Phoebis agarithe (Boisduval, 1836)
Attributes of Phoebis agaritheFamily: Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae) Subfamily: Sulphurs (Coliadinae) Identification: Upper surface of male bright orange with no markings. Two female forms, pink-white or yellow-orange. Underside forewing of both sexes with straight submarginal line. Two seasonal forms; winter form has heavier underside markings. Life history: Caterpillars eat new leaves. Flight: All year in south Texas and south Florida, strays north in mid- to late summer. Wing span: 2 1/4 - 3 3/8 inches (5.7 - 8.6 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Pithecellobium and Inga species in the pea family (Fabaceae). Adult food: Nectar from flowers of lantana, shepherd\'s needle, bougainvilla, rose periwinkle, turk's cap, and hibiscus. Habitat: Open, tropical lowlands including gardens, pastures, road edges, trails, parks. Range: Peru north to southern Texas and peninsular Florida. Rare stray to Colorado, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and New Jersey. Conservation: Not usually required. NatureServe Global Status: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Management needs: None reported. | Documented Records for Phoebis agarithe
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