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Delias subnubila

Delias subnubila

Lepidoptera / Pieridae

A western Chinese jezebel distinguished from Delias wilemani by the absence of its large yellow dorsal hindwing patch between the central and outer markings.

Read the species account
Delias subnubila, dorsal view
Delias subnubilaDelias subnubila · Dorsal view.

At a glance

Family ↘
Pieridae [1]
Recorded range ↘
Northern Yunnan, Sichuan and Gansu [2]
Comparison character ↘
Lacks wilemani’s large dorsal yellow patch [2]

Taxonomy and related species

Delias subnubila belongs to Pieridae and the belladonna group. It closely resembles the Taiwanese Delias wilemani. [1][2]

Adult morphology

Subnubila lacks the large yellow upper-hindwing patch found in wilemani between the central and outer rows of spots. [2]

Distribution and habitat

The nominate population is recorded from northern Yunnan, Sichuan and Gansu in western China. [2]

Taxonomic history

Leech described subnubila in 1893. [2]

Illustration notes

The illustrations retain the observed upper hindwing compartment without the conspicuous yellow mark of wilemani. Their pattern represents the identified reference specimen.

Specimen care

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. [3]

Sources and further reading

  1. Delias classification and museum-image catalogue ↗

    University of Florida Lepiverse; Catalogue of Life 2026-08-26 XR · Accessed 2026-10-09

  2. Delias subnubila: specialist records and comparison plates ↗

    Delias of the World; international Delias specialists · Accessed 2026-10-09

  3. Caring for natural history collections ↗

    Canadian Conservation Institute; Fiona Graham · Accessed 2026-10-09

Related species

Sources checked 2026-10-09. Illustrations · Luminary Oddities.

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