Apricot Sulphurs (Phoebis argante [Fabricius])
Wing span: 2 1/8 - 2 5/8 inches (5.4 - 6.7 cm).
Identification: Upperside of male bright orange with black border on forewing. Females variable from white to yellow, with dark or faded black borders. Underside hindwing of both sexes with broken, angled submarginal line.
Life history: Eggs are laid singly on new leaves of host, with many eggs placed on each plant.
Flight: All year in Central and South America. Strays to Texas from June-October.
Caterpillar hosts: Shrubs and trees in the pea family (Fabaceae) including Cassia, Pentaclethra, and Inga species.
Adult food: Nectar from a variety of red flowers.
Habitat: Disturbed areas in tropical forests: clearings, gardens, pastures, road edges.
Range: Paraguay north to Mexico. Reported very rarely (twice) in southern Texas and western Kansas.