The Phoebis avellaneda is sometimes called Red-splashed sulphur or Orange-washed sulphur. It is a fast and high flyer, as are most butterflies in the tropical family Pieridae. This rare species is endemic to Cuba and was featured on two Cuban postage stamps. Its host plants include hibiscus, whiteweed, and some species of cassia.
Phoebis avellaneda butterfly specimen from our collections. Florida Museum photo by Kristen Grace.
Phoebis avellaneda butterfly wing scales. Florida Museum photo by Kristen Grace.
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McGuire Center for Lepidoptera & Biodiversity at the Florida Museum