Mottled Emigrant 161108

The Mottled Emigrant is the rarest of the three Catopsilia species in Singapore. Whilst the other two species, the Orange Emigrant (Catopsilia scylla cornelia) and the Lemon Emigrant (Catopsilia pomona pomona) are essentially urban butterflies, the Mottled Emigrant is more often found in the fringes of the nature reserves where its host plant, Seven Golden Candlesticks (Cassia alata) is found. However, where Cassia alata is cultivated, it is likely that the butterfly will make its appearance.

The wings of the Mottled Emigrant are greenish white above and the forewing has a black apical border and a black cell-end spot. The underside is of a darker greenish hue and there are numerous reddish brown transverse stripes which give the species a 'mottled' look, hence its common name.