- Identifying features: Wingspan 1.4-2.0 inches. Both sexes have greenish-yellow wings in spring and fall, and mostly yellow in midsummer; wings always with blackish borders. Females with pale spots in border areas. Both sexes also have a black dot in the forewing cell and an orange dot in the hindwing cell. Occasionally, females are white rather than yellow.
- Similar species: Very similar markings to the closely related Orange Sulphur, but the latter is distictly orange. However, the two will occasionally interbreed, resulting in individuals halfway in color between the two. Both species also have white form females which are very difficult to distinguish, especially when in flight. The white form may also be confused with the Cabbage White, which has black on the tips of the forewing only. It is also similar in general appearance to the Little Yellow, but the latter is much smaller and lacks dots in the fore and hindwing cells.
- Habitat: May be found most commonly in clover fields, pastures, prairies, and gardens.
- Larval food plants: Clover, alfalfa, and related legumes.
- Season: Late March to mid-November. Many broods per year. Over-winters as a pupa.
|
