Species Detail

Large Orange Sulphur

Phoebis agarithe (Boisduval, 1836)

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Attributes of Phoebis agarithe

Family: 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.