Cloudless Sulphur Phoebis sennae (Linnaeus) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Pieridae: Coliadinae)

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Release Date: 12/7/2025

DOI: 10.32473/edis-in929-2012

Agriculture

Abstract

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This document provides an in-depth profile of the cloudless sulphur butterfly, Phoebis sennae, focusing on its distribution, physical characteristics, life cycle, migration patterns, host plants, and natural enemies. The butterfly is widespread in the southern United States and migrates seasonally. Detailed descriptions of its various life stages, including eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults, are provided. The document also discusses the butterfly's interactions with host plants and predators, emphasizing its ecological significance and the factors affecting its population dynamics. Original publication date April 2012. 

About this Publication

This document is EENY-524, one of a series of the Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date April 2012. Revised April 2013, March 2016, February 2019, April 2022, and March 2025. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

How to Cite

Hall, D. W., Walker, T. J., & Minno, M. C. (2012). Cloudless Sulphur Phoebis sennae (Linnaeus) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Pieridae: Coliadinae). EDIS, 2012(8). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-in929-2012

Authors

Donald Hall
Donald Hall
Specialist
University of Florida

professor emeritus, Department of Entomology and Nematology

Thomas Walker
Thomas Walker
Specialist
University of Florida

professor emeritus, insect ecology, behavior and systematics, Department of Entomology and Nematology

Marc Minno
Marc Minno
external
SJWMD

former scientist, St. Johns Water Management District

Contacts

Elena Rhodes
Elena Rhodes
staff
University of Florida

biological scientist III, Department of Entomology and Nematology

Publication #EENY-524

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