Introduction
The genus Cepora is closely allied to Appias and comprises of 20 species. The commonest and most widespread species is nerissa which is distributed from India to Bali. The genus is centred on south-east Asia, with the majority of species being found in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
Cepora perimale is the only species found in Australia – it occurs throughout northern and eastern Australia, and on New Guinea and the islands of the Torres Strait.
Habitats
This species is found on grassland and scrub and in open forested areas at elevations between sea level and about 500m.
Lifecycle
The eggs are skittle-shaped with prominent vertical ribs, and are creamy yellow when first laid but gradually turn to orange before hatching. They are laid singly or in two’s or three’s at the leaf-tips of various Capparis species (Capparaceae). The larva is yellowish-green and is dotted with numerous tiny yellow raised tubercles. When not feeding it rests along the midrib of the upperside of a leaf.
Adult behaviour
The adults are highly mobile and fly constantly from flower to flower, but usually remain in the same area for a day or two.