Appias libythea olferna
Striped Albatross
Family: | Pieridae |
Subfamily: | Pierinae |
Genus | Appias |
Species: | libythea |
Subspecies: | olferna |
Common Name: | Striped Albatross |
Wingspan: | 50-56 mm |
Status: | Common |
Life History: | complete |
Extant in countries: | •Singapore |
Hostplants: |
Description
The Striped Albatross gets its name from the male butterfly, which is white with prominent black veins on the underside. The female is dark dusted with yellow wing bases.
Habitat & Habits
It is a common butterfly which can be found in the urban areas of Singapore. Both the males and females can be seen flying in bright sunshine in HDB estates and even in the midst of downtown traffic. Males are sometimes observed feeding on damp seepages on roadsides in numbers. The females do not demonstrate such behaviour, preferring to feed on the nectar of flowers.
Other Observations
This species established itself in Malaysia and Singapore about 50 years ago, due to the wildspread abundance of its food plant the Purple Cleome (Cloeme rutidosperma).
Early Stages
Refer to the ButterflyCircle's blog article - The Life History of the Striped Albatross.
Further Reading
To be detailed.