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.

Weekly sightings for Sleepy Orange
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.
Late Sleepy Orange Sightings
Date | County | Reported by |
---|---|---|
Sep 29, 2021 | Iowa | Mike Reese |
Oct 3, 2007 | Grant | Karl and Dorothy Legler |
Oct 6, 2007 | Iowa | Mike Reese |
Oct 17, 2007 | Iowa | Todd Sima |
Oct 20, 2007 | Iowa | Ann Thering, Mike Reese |
Locations



Avoca Wildlife Area, Iowa Co., WI, September 22, 2007.

Avoca Wildlife Area, Iowa Co., WI, August 10, 2007.

Sleepy orange, little yellow, and clouded sulphur puddling
Avoca Wildlife Area, Iowa Co., WI, September 22, 2007.