Sleepy Orange

Eurema nicippe

This butterfly is an occasional stray to Wisconsin. Like many of the other strays, the Sleepy Orange may occasionally form colonies under favorable conditions. Ebner relates information about a colony in Grant County that was observed over a ten-day period. In 2007 this species was found in Iowa County at Avoca Wildlife Area in June, had several generations, and was present into mid-October.

Identifying characteristics

Wingspan of this species varies from one and a half to two and a quarter inches. Above it is yellowish orange with an irregular black border, similar to the Clouded Sulphur, but without the obvious round black spots on the front wing, and no round spots on the hindwing. Below this species is also a yellowish orange with a variety of spots, including a horizontal darker diagonal line near the middle of the hindwing.

Similar species

The Orange Sulphur may look similar while flying, but is easily distinguished from this species while at rest because of the Orange Sulphur’s central spots below.

Habitat

Open areas, including old fields, prairie restorations, and roadsides where it host plants are found.

Flight

Two or three generations per year if individuals are able to enter the state early in the summer.

Abundance

When a local population becomes established more than twenty individuals have been seen.

Early Sleepy Orange Sightings

Date	County	Reported by
Jun 9, 2007	Juneau	Todd Sima
Jun 11, 2007	Dane	Dave Fallow
Jun 20, 2007	Dunn	Dave Hanson
Jun 23, 2007	Iowa	Todd Sima and Mike Reese
Jun 29, 2012	Iowa	Douglas Buege

Locations