Tailed Sulphur
Common NameTailed Sulphur
Scientific NamePhoebis agarithe
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyColiadinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsyellow, brown
HabitatOpen tropical and subtropical areas, fields, gardens, roadsides, forest edges
Geographic RangeSouthern United States, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, northern South America
Host PlantsPithecellobium, Senna, Lysiloma
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; May to November in southern US
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesFemales lay single, spindle-shaped eggs on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with a yellow lateral stripe, feeding on foliage. Pupae are green or yellowish, resembling a leaf or stem.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its bright yellow color, slightly pointed forewing, and the lack of strong markings on the underside of the hindwing, which often has fine reddish speckles. The 'tail' is usually very short or absent.
Description
A medium-sized, bright yellow butterfly with a slightly pointed forewing. The underside of the hindwing is typically a uniform yellow, often with fine reddish-brown speckles.
