Red-base Jezebel

Delias pasithoe belongs to Pieridae. Regional populations include curasena in Taiwan, parthenope in Singapore and nominate pasithoe in Yunnan. [2][3][7]

Pale and yellow markings contrast with dark wings. The red basal patch lies on the hindwing underside. In Taiwan’s curasena, males are darker than females and bear distinct pale spots or stripes. [3]

The University of Tokyo holds specimens from Hainan and Guangdong and a 1963 specimen from Godavari near Kathmandu, Nepal. The Yunnan treatment records nominate pasithoe at low elevations; Taiwan’s curasena occurs from hilly country into mountains below approximately 2,000 metres. [2][3][5][6]

Taiwan’s curasena lays eggs in groups. Caterpillars feed communally, and several generations occur annually. [3]

The Taiwan museum records larval feeding on mistletoe-family plants and adult feeding on flower nectar. [3]

Taiwanese adults fly slowly and visit flowers; males show territorial behaviour. [3]

The Bangladesh survey recorded pasithoe principally in forest habitats, including Srimangal and the Chittagong Hill Tracts, with further records from Bhairab and Bhawal. [4]

The Yunnan treatment adopts the authorship Linnaeus, 1767 and traces earlier uses of Papilio dione and Papilio aglaja in the nomenclatural history. [2]

Singapore’s third Red Data Book lists Delias pasithoe parthenope as Data Deficient. [7]

The red basal hindwing patch that gives the Red-base Jezebel its common name is visible on the ventral surface. [3]

Scott Schubr’s Luminary Oddities illustrations depict the adult outline and wing pattern. Edition titles identify individual compositions within this species account.

Keep the enclosure away from direct sunlight, dampness and large changes in temperature or humidity. Handle the frame, clean only its exterior, and inspect for loose fragments, moisture and pests. Retain the specimen’s original labels and follow the enclosure maker’s care instructions. [1]