Orange Sulfur Butterfly

Description:

Family: Pieridae. Yellows and sulphurs. Subfamily: Coliadinae. Also known as the Alfalfa butterfly. Average wingspan: 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 inches (3.81 - 6.35 cm) Host plant: Pea family and larvae can be a serious pest. The coloring can be variable. Males are yellow with orange overlay. wide black border, yellow veins, dark black cell spot. Pink accent. (Ventral view only)

Habitat:

Meadow on my property enjoying small white aster flowers.

Notes:

Range: Continental USA, Southern Canada to Mexico. Absent in Central and Southeastern USA. Although this butterfly is very common in my area, I have never gotten a photo of this beautiful butterfly in the dorsal position. It looks completely different. (Fall 2012)