Catopsilia scylla

Catopsilia scylla (Linnaeus 1763 )
Orange Migrant
COLIADINAE , PIERIDAE

Don Herbison-Evans ( donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
and
David Johnston & Stella Crossley

(updated 25 April 2009)

This species is probably named after the mythological sea monster called Scylla, although it is not clear why.

The Caterpillars are green with a white lateral line along each side. There are black dots along the upper edge of each of these lines. The prolegs and head capsule are a paler green than the dorsal area of the Caterpillar.

The Caterpillars feed on various species of Senna ( Cassia, CAESALPINIACEAE ), especially those that have large flowers, for example :

Kolomana ( Senna gaudichaudii = Cassia retusa ),

Senna leptoclada, and

Glossy Shower ( Senna surattensis ).

Male

Catopsilia scylla
Female
(Specimens: courtesy of the The Australian Museum)

The adult butterflies have a wingspan of about 5 cms. The forewings of the male are white with black margins, and hindwings are yellow., The wings of the female are similar with additional black spots.

Underneath, the wings are yellow with dark orange markings.

Male underside
(Specimen: courtesy of the The Australian Museum)

The species occurs as various subspecies in south-east Asia, including:

China,

Malaysia, and

Sri Lanka,

and as etesia in the northern half of Australia:

Northern Territory,

Queensland,

South Australia, and

Western Australia.

Jersey, 1995