Giant Orange-Tip Butterfly | Hebomoia glaucippe PUPAE

Hebomoia glaucippe, commonly known as the Giant orange tip, is a vibrant butterfly belonging to the family Pieridae. Widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia, this species thrives in diverse habitats, including forests, gardens, and open grasslands. Its striking appearance makes it easily recognizable, with large white wings featuring vivid orange tips on the forewings and cryptic brown markings on the undersides, which provide excellent camouflage when the butterfly is at rest.

The lifecycle of Hebomoia glaucippe includes the stages of egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The caterpillars are green and cylindrical, blending seamlessly with their host plants, primarily members of the caper family (Capparaceae), such as Capparis species. In captivity, the butterfly breeds using Spider Flower, Cleome spinosa.

As adults, giant orange tips are strong fliers, often seen gliding gracefully in sunny clearings or feeding on flower nectar. Their bold coloration serves as a warning to predators, as they are distasteful due to toxins accumulated during their larval stage.

Difficulty - Easy to hatch out and care for (1/10)

Host plants - Cleome spinosa

Conditions - Room temperature or slightly warmer; butterflies enjoy sunshine.

Lifecycle - Continual broods with adults living for a few weeks.