Mexican Yellow
Common NameMexican Yellow
Scientific NameEurema mexicana
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyColiadinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Primary Colorsyellow, white, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, desert washes, canyons, roadsides, fields
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, southern California), Mexico, Central America
Host PlantsCassia spp., Dalea spp., Mimosa spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in southern parts of its range; spring to fall in migratory areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with a pale lateral stripe, feeding on legumes. Pupae are typically green or brown, camouflaged to resemble a leaf or twig.
Identification TipsKey features include the pointed apex of the forewing, the pale yellow underside with a distinct white patch on the hindwing, and small black spots or reddish-brown streaks on the wings.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with bright yellow forewings and paler yellow to white hindwings, often with a distinctive pointed forewing apex. The underside is pale yellow with a white patch on the hindwing and fine reddish-brown markings.
