Cloudless Sulphur
Image: HarshLight from San Jose, CA, USA (CC BY 2.0)
Common NameCloudless Sulphur
Scientific NamePhoebis sennae
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyColiadinae
Wingspan (mm)65
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsyellow, orange, black
HabitatOpen fields, meadows, gardens, roadsides, forest edges
Geographic RangeSouthern United States, Mexico, Central America, South America; migrates north into Canada
Host PlantsSenna hebecarpa, Senna marilandica, Chamaecrista fasciculata, Crotalaria
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical areas; May to November in temperate regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly, initially white then turning orange. Larvae are green with a yellow stripe, feeding on various legume species. The chrysalis is green or yellow-green, camouflaged to resemble a leaf.
Identification TipsLook for its bright yellow (males) or paler yellow/white (females) coloration, pointed forewings, and the characteristic dark spots along the hindwing margin. Males often have a dark tip on the forewing.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with bright yellow wings, often flushed with orange, and pointed forewings. The hindwings typically feature a series of small dark spots along the margin.
