Delias mysis, the Union Jack or red-banded Jezebel, is a butterfly in the family Pieridae. It is endemic to northern Australia, New Guinea and neighbouring islands. The common name is a reference to the flag of the British Empire. The butterfly was given this name, because the patterns and colours on the underside of the wings of the males resembles the flag.

The species has a wide variety in colours and patterns, hence a great deal of subspecies have been named.

Delias mysis

The wingspan is 60–70 mm.

Delias mysis

The larvae feed on mistletoe species, especially Dendrophthoe glabrescens.

Delias mysis

External links

Union Jack info

Delias at Markku Savela's Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms

mysis

Lepidoptera of New Guinea

Butterflies described in 1775

Taxa named by Johan Christian Fabricius

Butterflies of Oceania