The Sleepy Orange is a species of very common butterflies with their flight season being throughout the year, and almost everywhere in North America. Its brilliant orange/yellow is a fabulous color for the summer. In the fall, its colors change as if to match the seasons’ color palate of tan to brick red. The upper side of the wings is lined in black. The females are usually bigger than the males but not as 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

 

Sleepy Orange Host and Nectar Plants

Host Plants:

• Plants in the Fabaceae Family
  • Partridge Pea
  • Southern Wild Senna
  • Northern Wild Senna

Nectar Plants:

• Nectar from various flowers
  • Shepherd’s Needle
  • Bee Balm
  • Blazing Star
  • Sage
  • Dandelion
  • Blue Sage