Species Page: Tailed Orange (Pyrisitia proterpia)

Tailed Orange

Pyrisitia proterpia (Fabricius, 1775)

Family: Pieridae

Status: Very rare stray

NENHP Rank: Not listed

Range: A resident in Mexico and a somewhat common stray into southern portions of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. There is one record from eastern Nebraska.

Larval Hostplant(s): Legumes – mesquite, senna and Desmodium.

Broods/Flight Times: August through November in Texas.

Overwintering: This semi-tropical species does not overwinter in our area.

Habitat: As a stray it might be found anywhere.

Avg. Wingspan: 1 3/4 – 2 1/4 inches

Found at:

Similar Species:

Notes: Known from a single individual photographed by Barbara and Loren Padelford (shown) at Schramm State Recreation Area on September 28, 1986.

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