Orange Migrant

Catopsilia scylla etesia (Hewitson)

Interesting Aspects

This butterfly seems to be more intolerant of cooler conditions than the other two Catopsilia migrant species.

Larval Food Host

Cassia spp, the tropical and subtropical varieties with larger flowers incl. *C. fistula (golden shower) (Caesalpiniaceae), also Tephrosia sp. (Fabaceae).

Eggs

Larvae

Pupae

Flight Period in South Australia

The butterfly is seen all year round in the tropical north of Australia. It has migrant tendencies, moving south into subtropical latitudes during the monsoon wet period.

Distribution

Normally a tropical butterfly. The butterfly has yet to be observed in South Australia, but as it has been seen in the southern parts of the Northern Territory, there is a faint possibility the butterfly will eventually be observed in the far north of the state during an extended wet monsoonal summer period.

Habitat

The butterfly normally requires tropical, humid woodland habitat.Potential Tephrosia hostplants occur sporadically in the far-north of South Australia, and the introduced Cassia fistula is sometimes grown in the homesteads and town gardens in the same area.It is possible that brief opportunistic breeding could occur in that area if the butterfly made it that far south during its migrations.The butterfly is not biologically suited to the temperate conditions of southern South Australia.

Conservation Status in South Australia

A migrant. Locally common in the tropical north of Australia.

Threats

No major threats.

Conservation Strategy

None required.