About Pyrisitia proterpia (Fabricius, 1775)
This species is scientifically named Pyrisitia proterpia (Fabricius, 1775), commonly known as the tailed orange. On the upperside of its wings, the base color is orange, with a variable amount of black coloration along the costa of the forewing. Wing veins show light black markings in summer individuals, while winter individuals have no black veins on their wings. Males display UV reflection on their upper wing surfaces, and some female individuals can have white coloration instead of orange. The underside of the wings also shows seasonal variation. Summer individuals have yellow-orange underside coloration, with a slightly pointed hindwing. Winter individuals have brown underside coloration with darker brown markings, and their hindwing is much more pointed than that of summer individuals. The total wingspan of this species ranges from 1 and 1/4 inches to 1 and 3/4 inches, which is equal to 32 to 44 millimeters. The tailed orange occupies a variety of open habitats, including open woodlands, deserts, and subtropical habitats. During the breeding portion of its life cycle, males patrol throughout the day searching for females. The larval stage of this species is bright yellow-green, and has a yellow lateral stripe along its body.
