Delias aganippe
# Delias aganippe

Delias aganippe, the wood white or red-spotted Jezebel, is a butterfly in the family Pieridae.

## Distribution

This species is endemic to Australia. These butterflies can be found mainly in southern Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and in the southern Western Australia.

## Description

Delias aganippe can reach a wingspan of about 60–70 mm (2.4–2.8 in). The upper surface of the wings shows a silver-grey color, with black margins and a row of white spots. Moreover the females have a round black spot in the middle of the forewinhìgs. In both sexes the under surface of the hindwings shows large yellow patches and subterminal bands of red spots.

* Male of Delias aganippe. Mounted specimen
* Female of Delias aganippe. Upper and under sides
* Illustration of Wood White Butterfly

## Biology

The caterpillars can reach a body length of about 4 cm (1.6 in). They are at first pale brown with a black head, then they become completely black, with small white spots. They feed gregariously on Santalaceae (Exocarpos, Santalum species) and Loranthaceae species (Amyema species).

