Names and Taxonomy
- Common Names: Sleepy Orange
- Synonyms:
- Order: Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Family: Pieridae (Whites and Sulfers)
- Genus Information: 1 species in NV, 1 in CA, 3 in US
Eurema nicippe
Sleepy Orange
Introduction:
The sleepy orange is a bright orange butterfly with the upperside of the wings having wide black borders. The forewing costal margin has a small, narrow black marking that resembles a closed eye. Contrary to popular belief, its name originates from this wing patterning, rather than its behavior; the butterfly has a very rapid flight pattern when disturbed. The underside of the wings varies seasonally summer forms are bright yellow with brick-red markings, while winter forms are browner and more heavily marked
Life Cycle:
Size 1.5-2 inches (35-50 mm)
Sexual Dimorphism: false
Metamorphosis: complete (egg, larva, pupa, adult)
