The Sleepy Orange is a widespread butterfly found throughout much of North America, with a flight season that can span the entire year in warmer regions. Its vivid orange-yellow wings shine brightly in summer, while in fall, the colors shift to rich shades of tan and brick red, blending beautifully with the seasonal landscape. The upper side of the wings is bordered in black. Females are generally larger than males but tend to be less brightly colored.

 

“Sleepy Orange” by John Flannery, licensed under (CC BY-ND 2.0)

 

Sleepy Orange Facts

Butterfly Family: Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Coliadinae

Butterfly Wingspan: 1 3/8 – 2 1/4 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Low elevation areas including pine flats, fields, desert scrub, gardens, vacant lots, and road edges

 

🪴 Host Plants

These are the plants where females lay eggs and caterpillars feed:

• Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata)

• Senna (Senna spp.)

 

🌸 Nectar Plants

Adult Sleepy Orange butterflies feed on nectar from a variety of native flowers:

• Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.)

• Blazing Star (Liatris spp.)

• Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

• Ironweed (Vernonia gigantea)

• Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

• Tickseed (Coreopsis spp.)

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)