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Orange-barred Sulphur

Phoebis philea

The Orange-barred Sulphur is a bright butterfly with beautiful yellow wings and orange stripes. They flutter around gardens and fields, bringing joy to everyone who sees them!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Orange-barred Sulphur is a vibrant yellow butterfly with a distinct, bright orange bar crossing the male's forewings. Females are paler yellow, often with more diffused dark markings. Its underside is typically mottled yellow-orange, providing effective camouflage.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyPieridaeGenusPhoebis
Orange-barred Sulphur
striped trait badgesolitary trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badge
Orange-barred Sulphur

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Males "flash" their bright orange bars during aerial courtship dances to attract females!

Their tiny, spindle-shaped eggs are usually laid individually on fresh host plant leaves.

These butterflies are known for their super strong, rapid, and sometimes erratic flight!

They belong to the Pieridae family, often called the "Whites and Sulphurs."

Special abilities

Ability

Master of Disguise

Orange-barred Sulphur caterpillars can be green or yellow, allowing them to perfectly match their host plant leaves for camouflage.

Ability

Long-Distance Flier

The Orange-barred Sulphur can migrate hundreds of miles, travelling to warmer climates or seeking new food sources.

Ability

Flower Nectar Siphon

This butterfly has a long, straw-like proboscis that helps it sip nectar from deep inside a variety of flowers.

Ability

Bright Warning Signals

Its vivid orange and yellow wing colors might warn some predators that it could taste unpleasant or be difficult to catch.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
55-80 mm
Size
20-30 mm
Lifespan
14-21 days
Flight Speed
15 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars munch on leaves, while adult butterflies sip sweet flower nectar.

Age differences: Caterpillars feed exclusively on the leaves of host plants, while adults primarily consume nectar from flowers.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Senna leaves
  • Cassia leaves

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Sulphur Butterfly

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch butterflies; they are delicate and need to be safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Orange-barred Sulphur's wingspan?

55-80 mm

How big is Orange-barred Sulphur?

20-30 mm

How long does Orange-barred Sulphur live?

14-21 days

How fast can Orange-barred Sulphur fly?

15 km/h

What does Orange-barred Sulphur eat?

Caterpillars munch on leaves, while adult butterflies sip sweet flower nectar.

Where is Orange-barred Sulphur usually found?

Grasslands

How does Orange-barred Sulphur hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Orange-barred Sulphur have?

6

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