Orange Emigrant life cycle

The life cycle of the Orange Emigrant, Catopsilia scylla cornelia. This common urban butterfly can often be found in close proximity to its host plant, Cassia biflora.


The egg, laid on a leaf of Cassia biflora.


The caterpillar. Hard to differentiate from the caterpillars of other 'emigrants'.


The caterpillar often positions itself along the stem of the leaf as part of its camouflage.


Pre-pupa.


Two pupae. The adult butterfly is about to emerge from the one on the left, as can be seen from the visible wing patterns and features through the pupal case.


The adult Orange Emigrant. These butterflies fly rather rapidly though possibly less robustly than the Lemon and Mottled Emigrants and are fond of lantana blossoms. On the upperside the forewings are white with a black border and the hindwings a uniform deep yellow.