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Wood White (Delias aganippe)

Wood White
Underside. (Blue Mountains NP, NSW, 19 / 02 / 2011)

Appearance: Upperside white with black markings. Underside colourful and unmistakable.
Wingspan: 6.0–6.5 cm
Season: At least 2 generations annually; from spring until autumn.
Range: South-eastern QLD, NSW, VIC, south-eastern SA, and western WA.
Habitat: Open forest and woodland.
Photo: .

Notes

Although the Wood White is a common and widespread species, the butterflies are not seen very often. Like many Delias species, they spend most of their time flying high up in the tree tops and seldom descend down to the ground. There are a few similar species across northern and eastern Australia, but the Wood White can be distinguished from these by the unique pattern of red and yellow markings on the hind wing underside.

Additional Photos

Wood White
View of the unique and colourful underside pattern. (Blue Mountains NP, NSW, 19 / 02 / 2011)
Wood White
This hilltopping male is showing the characteristic white and black upperside. (Lesueur NP, WA, 27 / 08 / 2011)
Wood White
The butterflies spend most of their time flying high up in the tree tops. (Grampians NP, VIC, 27 / 12 / 2009)