Caterpillar.—The caterpillars are small, relatively long, cylindrical, with the head quite small, the thoracic segments somewhat larger than the others, giving the anterior portion of the body a slightly humped appearance. They feed upon leguminous plants.
Chrysalis.—The chrysalis is compressed laterally, with the head pointed and the wing-cases forming a deep, keel-shaped projection on the ventral side, more pronounced than in any other genus except Catopsilia.
There are an immense number of species belonging to this genus scattered through the tropical and subtropical regions of both hemispheres. Many of the species are dimorphic or polymorphic, and much confusion has arisen, especially in relation to the Oriental species, on account of the great tendency to the production of seasonal varieties, many of which are strikingly different from one another.
(1) Terias gundlachia, Poey, Plate XXXVII, Fig. 1, ♂ (Gundlach's Sulphur).
Butterfly.—This species is easily recognized by the orange-yellow tint of the upper side of the wings and the sharply pointed hind wings. Expanse, 1.80 inch.
Early Stages.—We know nothing of these.
The species is found in Texas, Arizona, Mexico, and Cuba.
(2) Terias proterpia, Fabricius, Plate XXXVII, Fig. 2, ♂ (Proterpia).
Butterfly.—Even deeper orange than the preceding species. The hind wings are, however, less pointed; the veins and nervules are black at their ends, and the costal margin of the fore wings is evenly bordered with black, which does not run down on the outer margin as in T. gundlachia. Expanse, 1.50-1.75 inch.