Painted Jezebel 080410

Delias hyparete metarete

Details
Family : Pieridae
Subfamily : Pierinae
Genus : Delias
Common Name : Painted Jezebel
Wingspan : 70-80mm
Hostplant(s) : Dendropthoe pentandra (Mistletoe)

Status In Singapore : Common


Description
The Painted Jezebel is white above, with the veins dusted in the outer areas. The female is more heavily dusted with black than the male. The basal half of the underside of the hindwing is bright yellow and the termen has a bright red marginal border. The veins are dusted with black.

Habitat & Habits
This species occurs commonly throughout Singapore and is seen in urban areas as well as within forested reserves. It usually flies at treetop level, frolicking amongst the canopies of tall trees. Its restless flight is interrupted only when it descends to feed at flowering shrubs.

Other Observations
It is believed that the brightly coloured underside serves as a warning pattern to predatory animals.

Early Stages
The caterpillar is yellow and hairy. During the early instars, the caterpillars feed in groups. The pupa is yellow with shining black spots.

Source: ButterflyCircle