Identification
Below, similar to the more widespread Cloudless Sulphur, but more orange, especially at the rear of hindwings (female). Slightly larger than Cloudless Sulphur.
The male has few markings but the upperside of the forewing has an orange patch. The female color ranges from yellow to white, with a broad orange-tinged band on the edge of the upper hindwing, and more(and darker) spotting than the male.
Larva is usually green with black stripes, although a yellow form also occurs when it feeds on yellow flowers of its host plant.
Range
Neotropics into very southern United States, e.g., Texas, and south Florida. See also confirmed county records map at
Butterflies and Moths of North AmericaHabitat
Gardens, edges of woods, roadsides
Season
In south Florida, 2-3 broods through spring and summer. All year in tropics.
Life Cycle
Larvae feed on Cassia species, as do other members of the genus Phoebis. The Orange-barred Sulphur especially likes Candlebush, Cassia (Senna) alata, as a hostplant.
Remarks
Common in southern Florida. Glassberg
(1) states that this species colonized Florida only in the 1920's.
See Also
Larva of Phoebis sennae is somewhat similar, especially yellow form.
Print References
Glassberg, plate 11--photos, p. 59--text.
(1)
Brock and Kaufmann, pp. 74-75.
(2)
Scott, p. 205--description, color plate 13 and shows ultraviolet pattern fig. 34.
(3)Internet References
Nearctica.com (Butterflies and Skippers of North America)
Contributed by
Cotinis on 20 April, 2004 - 11:58pm
Additional contributions by
Hannah Nendick-MasonLast updated 6 October, 2006 - 11:02am
