Cloudless Sulphur

Phoebis sennae

Content coming soon for this insect guide.

Insect Profile

Beneficial Rating

+2 Beneficial

Active Months

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

US Distribution

NortheastSoutheastMidwestSouthwestWest

Habitat Preferences

gardensmeadowsforest edgesopen spacesgladesseashoreswatercoursesclover and alfalfa fieldsmowed fieldsvacant lotsroad edges

Taxonomic Group

Butterfly

Order

Lepidoptera

Family

Pieridae

Lifecycle

The Cloudless Sulphur butterfly begins as a pitcher-shaped white egg, which turns pale orange before hatching in about six days. The caterpillar is typically green with yellow stripes and blue patches, but if it feeds on flowers, it will be yellow with black bands. The caterpillar constructs a shelter by folding a leaf with silk. The chrysalis is pointed at both ends with a hump in the middle and can be either yellow or green. The adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis. There are multiple generations per year, with continuous breeding in warmer climates.

Overwintering Strategy

Cloudless Sulphur butterflies migrate southward to warmer climates for the winter. Other related sulphur butterflies, like the Orange Sulphur, may overwinter in the chrysalis stage.

Native Range

Americas

Attracted By

sennapartridge peacloverscordiabougainvilleacardinal flowerhibiscuslantanawild morning gloryred flowersdandelionmilkweedsgoldenrodsasters

Companion Planting

To attract Cloudless Sulphur butterflies for their pollination services, plant their larval host plants such as various species of senna (Senna spp.) and partridge pea (Chamaecrista spp.). Nectar plants with red, tubular flowers are also highly attractive to the adults. Planting these near crops that would benefit from pollination is a good companion planting strategy.