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



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

Female, © 2002 dave hanson
Texas. 2002.

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

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

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

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