Delias hyparete metarete
Painted Jezebel
| Family: | Pieridae |
| Subfamily: | Pierinae |
| Genus | Delias |
| Species: | hyparete |
| Subspecies: | metarete |
| Common Name: | Painted Jezebel |
| Wingspan: | 70-80 mm |
| Status: | Common |
| Life History: | complete |
| Extant in countries: | •Thailand •Malaysia •Singapore |
| Hostplants: |
Description
The Painted Jezebel is white above, with the veins dusted in the outer areas. The female is more heavily dusted with black than the male. The basal half of the underside of the hindwing is bright yellow and the termen has a bright red marginal border. The veins are dusted with black.
Habitat & Habits
This species occurs commonly throughout Singapore and is seen in urban areas as well as within forested reserves. It usually flies at treetop level, frolicking amongst the canopies of tall trees. Its restless flight is interrupted only when it descends to feed at flowering shrubs.
Other Observations
It is believed that the brightly coloured underside serves as a warning pattern to predatory animals.
Early Stages
Refer to the ButterflyCircle's blog article - Life History of the Painted Jezebel.
Further Reading
- Fah Shin, Chin : "Chin's Butterfly Gallery - Malaysian Butterflies" - Delias hyparete metarete
- Les, Day : "Delias of the World" - Delias hyparete
- Inayoshi, Yutaka : "Checklist of Butterflies in IndoChina", Specimen comparisons of Delias hyparete metarete
- Hong Kong Lepidopterists' Society - Painted Jezebel (Delias hyparete)
Early Stages Photos
