Tailed Orange Butterfly

Sulfur Butterflies (Coliadinae) Dainty Sulfur Orange Sulfur Sleepy Orange Southern Dogface Types of Butterflies

The Tailed Orange (Pyrisitia proterpia) butterfly gets its name from the very small tail-like projection at the bottom of its wings.

It is primarily a neotropical species with a small presence in the Desert Southwest.

The picture shows a side view of the contrasting top and bottom wings. The bottom wings have a darker color with brown patterns along the veins.

Unlike many butterflies, with open wings, the Tailed Orange has a square rather than circular appearance.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels