A very variable pan-tropical species.
There are two forms that occur in the island; both are
common and easily identifiable but there is considerable
variation within each form. Both forms fly together and
are not seasonally separated.
More on seasonal variations
Similar species
Mottled Emigrant. This is a much smaller species. The
underside is variable, but is always marked with very
fine greenish to reddish brown strigae. There are often
a few ocelli at the center of the hindwing.
A common, widely distributed species. It occurs from sea
level to 1500 feet elevation. It is commonest in the dry
and intermediate zones of the island and appears in
large numbers during the pre-monsoonal periods. It is
found everywhere, including urban areas.
It has a strong bouncy flight, similar to that of the
Great Orange Tip. Though it flies high up in the canopy
of tall trees like the Great Orange Tip, it is more
often seen visiting the flowers of small trees and
bushes, or even small herbs such as Tridax which is just
a foot off ground. It is a generalist and will feed on
the nectar of wild flowers or those of introduced
species without much discrimination. It is a somewhat
shy and wary and will usually fly away on approach.
Unlike most other whites, both sexes mud-sip in hot
weather.
The larva feeds on a wide range of species belonging to
the Leguminoseae. The eggs are laid singly on the tender
leaves or freshly emerging vegetative buds of the host
plant. |
