Lemon Migrant Catopsilia pomona

The name says it all — this is a butterfly that moves. Massive seasonal migrations have been recorded across Asia, with enormous numbers traveling together in waves of pale yellow and white wings. The species shows remarkable variation: males are typically lemon-yellow while females can appear white or orange-tinted, which so confused early researchers that they classified the sexes as two completely separate species for years. Found from India to Australia, it is one of the most widespread pierid butterflies in the Old World. Adults are fast, purposeful fliers that rarely linger — fitting behavior for a confirmed wanderer. A flash of pale yellow streaking purposefully overhead in tropical Asia is a good sign you are watching a confirmed globetrotter.