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.

Weekly sightings for Cloudless Sulphur

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

Map showing sighting locations for Cloudless Sulphur
Map key
Cloudless SulphurClick to enlarge

Ocracoke Island, Hyde Co., NC. March 26, 2007.

Cloudless Sulphur

Female, © 2002 dave hanson

Texas. 2002.

Cloudless SulphurClick to enlarge

Sand Ridge State Park, Mason Co., IL. August 29, 2010.

Cloudless SulphurClick to enlarge

Sand Ridge State Park, Mason Co., IL. August 29, 2010.

Cloudless SulphurClick to enlarge

Sand Ridge State Park, Mason Co., IL. August 28, 2010.

Cloudless SulphurClick to enlarge

Sand Ridge State Park, Mason Co., IL. August 29, 2010.