Little Yellow
Common NameLittle Yellow
Scientific NamePyrisitia lisa
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyColiadinae
Wingspan (mm)34
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsyellow, black
HabitatOpen fields, meadows, roadsides, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States, extending north to New England and west to the Great Plains, also Central and South America
Host Plantspartridge pea, senna, clover
Flight PeriodYear-round in southern regions, May to October in northern regions
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green and well-camouflaged. Multiple generations occur annually, especially in warmer climates.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its small size, bright yellow coloration, and the presence of a black forewing border (more prominent in males). It lacks the silver spots on the hindwing underside found in some other yellow sulphurs.
Description
A small, bright yellow butterfly with a slender body. Males typically have a distinct black border on the forewing, while females may be paler with less defined markings.
