Painted Jezebel Delias hyparete metarete (Butler 1879) A male Painted Jezebel (Delias hyparete metarete) resting in the shady forests in the mid-afternoon after having its fill of nectar from flowers.

Scientific Data and Other Important Notes Family : Pieridae SubFamily : Pierinae Genus : Delias (Hubner1819) Common Name : Painted Jezebel Wingspan: 80mm   Host Plant:  The caterpillar of this species feeds on the parasitic plant Dendropthoe pentandra. Similar species: N/A   Status in Singapore: Common Habitat : The butterfly occurs commonly in urban areas as well as nature reserves where their host plant thrives.

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 :  The caterpillar is yellow and hairy.  During the early instars, the caterpillars feed in groups.  The pupa is yellow with shining black spots.
  FURTHER READING AND WEB RESOURCES

• 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)