Southern Dogface
Common NameSouthern Dogface
Scientific NameZerene cesonia
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyColiadinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsyellow, black
HabitatOpen fields, meadows, roadsides, gardens, forest edges
Geographic RangeSouthern and central United States, Mexico, Central America; strays north to Canada
Host Plantsfalse indigo (Amorpha fruticosa), clover (Trifolium spp.), soybean (Glycine max), various legumes
Flight PeriodMarch to November (multiple broods)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with a white stripe. Pupae are green and chrysalis-like. Multiple generations occur annually in warmer regions.
Identification TipsLook for the bright yellow wings, the pointed forewing apex, and the characteristic black 'dogface' pattern on the upperside of the male's forewing. The underside has a single white-ringed spot on the hindwing and a black spot on the forewing.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly, typically bright yellow on the underside with a small white-ringed spot on the hindwing and a black spot on the forewing. Males have a distinctive black 'dogface' pattern on the upperside of the forewing.
