Sleepy OrangeEnlarge

Closed wingEnlarge

Life Cycle of Butterflies

ChrysalisEnlarge

Sleepy Orange (Abaeis nicippe)

The Sleepy Orange is anything but sleepy; this tiny butterfly stays busy moving from flower to flower. 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 are lined in black. The females are usually bigger than the males but not as brightly colored. The males enjoy puddling, so a water area near the garden would be a wonderful addition. This fast moving brilliant butterfly is a great visitor to any garden.

Family: Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)

Subfamily: Sulphur (Coliadinae)

Average Wingspan: 1 1/2" - 2 1/4"

Habitat: Open areas, roadsides, fields, gardens

Plants That Attract This Butterfly

• Nectar Plants (What is this?)
  Butterfly Milkweed, Zinnia, Marigold, Cosmos, Aster
  
• Host Plants (What is this?)
  Wild Senna, Red Clover*, White Clover*

* May not be available for purchase at your local nursery.

Note: Always check a plant's Hardiness Zone to make sure it will grow in your area. (What Is My Hardiness Zone?)

Where To Buy Plants

Butterfly Flight Range Map

Photo Credits:
Open wing - Fred Miller
Closed wing - Fred Miller
Chrysalis - Fred Miller