North American Butterflies and Moths List

The definitive website on wildbirds & nature

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Butterflies of North America

Tailed Sulphur (Phoebis neocypris)

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Tailed Sulphur (Phoebis neocypris)

Wing span: 1 1/2 - 1 3/4 inches (3.9 - 4.4 cm).

Identification: Male orange, female whitish or yellowish. Both have triangular extension on each hindwing.

Life history: Eggs are laid in groups at the base of host plant leaves. Caterpillars feed on new leaves.

Flight: All year in Mexico and Central America. Reported in September in south Texas.

Caterpillar hosts: Cassia species in the pea family (Fabaceae).

Adult food: Nectar from flowers including Lantana and Impatiens.

Habitat: Tropics, especially in mid-elevation forests; open and disturbed areas.

Range: Resident in Mexico and Central America. Strayed once to south Texas.

Conservation: Not required for rare stray.

Management needs: None reported.

References:

de la Maza Ramirez, R. 1991. Mariposas Mexicanas. Fondo de  Cultura 
     Economica, S. A. de C. V. Mexico, D. F. 302 pages,  67 color plates.

DeVries, P. J. 1987. The butterflies of Costa Rica and their  natural 
     history. Princeton University Press, Princeton, New  Jersey. 327 
     pages, 50 color plates.

Opler, P. A. and V. Malikul. 1992. A field guide to eastern  butterflies. 
     Peterson field guide #4. Houghton-Mifflin Co.,  Boston. 396 pages, 
     48 color plates.

Scott, J. A. 1986. The butterflies of North America. Stanford  University 
     Press, Stanford, Calif. 583 pages, 64 color plates.

Author: Jane M. Struttmann

Tailed Sulphur (Phoebis neocypris)

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