Genus Terias Swainson (the Yellows)
Small butterflies, generally some shade of orange or yellow, with wings more delicate in structure than most of the genera belonging to the Pierinæ. Both wings generally rounded, but in a few species produced at the apex of the fore wing and at the end of the second median nervule of the hind wing. Eggs spindle-shaped, much swollen at the middle. Larva cylindrical, with a very small head, and the three first segments larger than those after them giving the body a humped appearance in front. Chrysalis compressed laterally, with the wing-cases forming a deep keel on the ventral side, more pronounced than in any other American genus, except Catopsilia.
This is a very large genus represented by many species in the tropical and subtropical regions of both the eastern and western hemispheres. Many of the species are dimorphic or polymorphic, and there is a vast deal of confusion as to their classification.
(1) Terias nicippe (Cramer), Plate CVIII, Fig. 1, ♂; Fig. 2, ♀ (The Small Orange). (See Plate on p. 184.)
The species is subject to considerable variation. Rare in New England, but common south of latitude 40° as far as the Rocky Mountains; also reported from Southern California, where it is rare. Expanse 1.50-2.00 inches.
(2) Terias mexicana Boisduval, Plate CVIII, Fig. 3, ♂ (The Mexican Yellow). (See Plate on p. 184.)
Easily recognizable by our figure. Expanse 1.75-1.85 inch. Found in Texas and Arizona, thence southward.
(3) Terias lisa (Boisduval & Leconte), Plate CIX, Fig. 1, ♂ (The Little Sulphur). (See Plate on p. 184.)
Allied to the three following species, but may be told apart at once by the solid black outer borders of the wings and the absence of the black band on the hind margin of the fore wing. Expanse 1.25-1.60 inch.
Ranges from New England to Honduras, east of the Rockies.
(4) Terias elathea (Cramer), Plate CIX, Fig. 2, ♂ (The Florida Yellow). (See Plate on p. 184.)
May be told from the next two species by the white hind wings. Expanse 1.25-1.40 inch.
Found in Florida, Mexico, and the Antilles.
(5) Terias delia (Cramer), Plate CX, Fig. 1, ♂; Fig. 2, ♀ (The Gulf Yellow). (See Plate on p. 185.)
Almost exactly like the preceding species, but the hind wings are yellow above and red below, and the apex of the fore wing is red below. Expanse 1.25-1.50 inch.
Common in the Gulf States.
This species and the one preceding and following are very closely related but perfectly distinct. They are apt to puzzle the beginner, but by comparison he will soon learn to discriminate them.
(6) Terias jucunda (Boisduval & Leconte), Plate CX, Fig. 3, ♂ (The Fairy Yellow).
Separable from the preceding species by the black border surrounding the hind wing, and the pale under surface. Expanse 1.60-1.75 inch.
Found in the Gulf States.
(7) Terias proterpia (Fabricius), Plate CX, Fig. 4, ♂ (The Cadmium Orange).
Our figure will enable the student to immediately recognize it. Expanse 1.50-1.75 inch.
Found in Texas, Arizona, and Mexico.