Identification:
Females have rounder wings and are browner with mottled pale markings. This species is an active migrant. In Vietnam, solitary butterflies can be observed migrating north, often across rice fields or villages from February to April. They can also sometimes be seen in late October of each year. This species is attracted to various flowering plants. Yellow and red markings on the underside of the hindwings help protect adult butterflies from birds.
Biology and Ecology:
Most species in this genus fly slowly but high. When disturbed, they often take a long time to land. Species within the genus Delias lay their eggs on plants of the Loranthaceae family (mistletoes). This species is an active migrant. In Vietnam, solitary butterflies can be observed migrating north, often across rice fields or villages from February to April. This species is attracted to various flowering plants. Yellow and red markings on the underside of the hindwings help protect adult butterflies from birds. Larvae live gregariously on certain trees such as Scurrula parasitica and Macrosolen cochinchinensis (Loranthaceae). In Vietnam, this species can be mistaken for the white butterfly D. acalis, which is larger and rarer. This species is often seen in large numbers on sấu trees (Họ Xoan – Meliaceae) in late spring and early summer, and sometimes in late October of each year. It is distributed at all altitudes and in all environments, but is not found in primary forests above 700m.
Distribution:
From Nepal and North India to South China, Hainan, and Taiwan, south through Indochina and the Malay Peninsula to Sunderland and the Philippines. It is most common in northern and central Vietnam. The species name is derived from morphological characteristics.
Value, Status, and Conservation:
This is a common species with many individuals, but it has not been observed to cause damage to crops.