Large Orange Sulphur (Phoebis agarithe [Boisduval])
Wing span: 2 1/4 - 3 3/8 inches (5.7 - 8.6 cm).
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.
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.
