Cloudless Sulphur

Phoebis sennae

The Cloudless Sulphur cannot survive northern winters, and is considered a stray in Wisconsin. The species does not stray to Wisconsin every year, and it should be considered a rare find.

Identifying characteristics

Large, with up to three-inch wingspans. Males are yellow with no markings on the upper wings and faint spots underneath. Females are yellow above with black marginal spots. Below, the spots are more noticeable than on the males.

Similar species

None.

Habitat

Open areas, including prairies, old fields, roadsides, and gardens.

Flight

3-4 broods in the far south, but an unlikely migrant and even less likely breeding species in Wisconsin.

Abundance

A rare migrant into Wisconsin, this species may reproduce in Wisconsin if it arrives early enough in the year. Its host plants are various legumes including sennas and partridge pea.

Early Cloudless Sulphur Sightings

Date	County	Reported by
May 28, 2006	Dane	Glenda Denniston
Jun 2, 2022	Trempealeau	Gregory Smith
Jun 11, 2016	Waukesha	Sue Feyrer
Aug 10, 2013	Grant	Douglas Buege
Aug 10, 2018	Grant	Karl and Dorothy Legler

Locations