Sulphur
Guides
Abaeis
Abaeis is a genus of butterflies in the family Pieridae, commonly known as the sulphurs or whites. The genus includes the sleepy orange (Abaeis nicippe), a species found in North America. Members of this genus are typically small to medium-sized butterflies with yellow or orange coloration. The genus was established by Jacob Hübner in 1819.
Abaeis nicippe
Sleepy Orange
Abaeis nicippe, commonly known as the Sleepy Orange, is a medium-sized butterfly in the family Pieridae. The species exhibits seasonal variation in coloration, with summer individuals typically bright orange and winter forms showing darker, more heavily marked wings. It is known for its hilltopping behavior, where males patrol ridge tops and summits to locate females. The species has been documented engaging in aerial competitions with other males when pursuing females.
Aphrissa neleis
Pink-spot Sulphur
Aphrissa neleis, commonly known as the Pink-spot Sulphur, is a butterfly species in the family Pieridae. The species was originally described as Callidryas neleis by Boisduval in 1836. It belongs to a genus of sulphur butterflies found in the Neotropical region.
Colias meadii
Mead's Sulphur, Mead's Sulfur
Colias meadii, known as Mead's Sulphur, is a butterfly species in the family Pieridae native to the Rocky Mountains of North America. It inhabits high-elevation arctic-alpine environments near or at tree line. The species is active during mid-summer, with adults flying from July to August. It exhibits the yellow-orange wing coloration typical of sulphur butterflies, with a wingspan of 35–44 mm.
Phoebis
sulphurs, sulfurs
Phoebis, commonly known as sulphurs, is a genus of butterflies in the family Pieridae, subfamily Coliadinae. The genus is native to the Americas, with species distributed from the southern United States through Central and South America. Members are characterized by bright yellow, orange, or white coloration. Several species are known for seasonal migration patterns, particularly northward movements in spring and southward returns in fall. The genus includes economically and ecologically significant species such as the cloudless sulphur (Phoebis sennae), which has been extensively studied for its life history and host plant associations.
Phoebis agarithe
Large Orange Sulphur, Orange Giant Sulphur
A medium to large sulphur butterfly of the family Pieridae, ranging from Peru through Central America and the Caribbean to the southern United States. Adults display bright orange upperwings with variable dark marginal markings. The species exhibits strong flight and is frequently observed visiting flowers in open, disturbed habitats. It has been introduced to Hawaii and occasionally strays northward well beyond its core range.
Phoebis philea
Orange-barred Sulphur
Phoebis philea, the orange-barred sulphur, is a medium-sized butterfly in the family Pieridae found throughout the Americas from the southern United States to Brazil, including the Caribbean. Adults are known for their bright yellow-orange coloration with distinctive orange bars on the forewings. The species exhibits seasonal variation in generation number, with multiple broods in southern regions and a single generation in northern parts of its range. Larvae feed on Cassia species, while adults visit nectar sources, particularly red-colored flowers.