Clouded sulphur and cloudless sulphur butterflies are two fascinating species often observed in gardens and natural habitats. Both butterfly species have distinct characteristics and appearances, which may leave nature enthusiasts curious about their differences.
The clouded sulphur butterfly, also known as the common sulphur, features yellow wings with a black border in males, while females have a duller hue with yellow spots on the black border. All adults have one black spot on each forewing and faint orange spots on the hindwings source.
On the other hand, the cloudless sulphur butterfly is a large yellow butterfly that does not have the distinct black border seen on clouded sulphurs. These butterflies can access nectar in tubular flowers that other butterflies can’t, with a preference for red flowers such as red morning-glory and scarlet sage source.
Identifying Clouded Sulphur and Cloudless Sulphur
Physical Characteristics
Clouded Sulphur:
- Males: bright yellow color
- Females: duller yellow, sometimes white
- Wing spans: 1.5 to 2 inches
Cloudless Sulphur:
- Males and females: bright yellow
- Larger size compared to Clouded Sulphur
- Wing span: 2.25 to 3.25 inches
Wing Markings
Clouded Sulphur:
- Single dark spot on each forewing
- Faint orange spots on hindwings
Cloudless Sulphur:
- No dark spots on wings
Color Variations
Clouded Sulphur (also known as Orange Sulphur):
- Male: lemon yellow with black border on wings
- Female: more white, black border with yellow spots
- Albino females: common, nearly white
Cloudless Sulphur:
- Consistent yellow throughout both genders
Comparison table:
| Feature | Clouded Sulphur (Orange Sulphur) | Cloudless Sulphur |
|---|---|---|
| Males | Bright yellow with black wing borders | Bright yellow, larger size, no dark spots on wings |
| Females | Duller yellow, sometimes white | Bright yellow, no dark spots on wings |
| Wing Span | 1.5 to 2 inches | 2.25 to 3.25 inches |
| Forewing Dark Spot | Present | Absent |
| Hindwing Markings | Faint orange spots | None |
With the help of these characteristics and the comparison table, identifying Clouded Sulphur and Cloudless Sulphur butterflies becomes easier.
Habitats and Distribution
Geographical Range
Cloudless Sulphur:
- Found throughout most of the mainland United States
- Primarily in eastern and southern portions of the western United States 1
Clouded Sulphur:
- Widespread across North America
- Most common in disturbed open areas 2
Habitat Preferences
Cloudless Sulphur:
- Prefers red flowers, e.g., red morning-glory, scarlet creeper, cypressvine, and scarlet sage 3
- Often seen in gardens and open areas 1
- Larval host plants belong to the genus Senna4
Clouded Sulphur:
- Favors disturbed open areas, such as meadows and fields 2
- Usually found near its larval host plants, e.g., plants in the mustard and legume families 2
Comparison Table:
| Cloudless Sulphur | Clouded Sulphur | |
|---|---|---|
| Geographical | Mainland US, eastern and southern parts | Widespread across North America |
| Range | of the western US | |
| Habitat | Gardens, open areas, red flowers | Disturbed open areas, meadows, fields |
| Larval Host | Genus Senna | Mustard and legume families |
| Plants | ||
| Family | Pieridae | Pieridae |
Life Cycle and Host Plants
Eggs
The life cycle of both the clouded and cloudless sulphur butterflies begins with egg-laying on host plants. Female butterflies typically lay eggs singly on the leaves or buds of their preferred host plants:
- Clouded Sulphur: Mostly partridge pea and alfalfa
- Cloudless Sulphur: Primarily plants in the Senna genus
Eggs are small, with clouded sulphur eggs appearing as greenish-white and cloudless sulphur eggs as pale yellow.
Caterpillars
After hatching, the caterpillars of both species feed on their host plants. Caterpillars have different appearances:
- Clouded Sulphur: Green with yellow and black markings, length up to 2.5 cm
- Cloudless Sulphur: Bright green to yellowish-green with blue-black bands, length up to 4 cm
Caterpillars of both species have few natural predators due to the toxins they accumulate from their host plants, but they may still fall prey to birds, parasitic wasps, or spiders.
Chrysalis and Pupae
Once the caterpillars have reached their final instar, they form a chrysalis or pupa. While in this stage, they undergo metamorphosis to develop into adult butterflies:
- Clouded Sulphur: Green or brown chrysalis, often blending in with surrounding foliage
- Cloudless Sulphur: Pale green to brown chrysalis, usually attached to Senna plants
The chrysalis stage lasts for approximately 10 days to 2 weeks.
Adult Butterflies
Adult butterflies of both species are primarily active from spring through fall, with a peak in their populations during fall migration. They can be distinguished by color and size:
- Clouded Sulphur (Coliadinae): Wingspan of 3.2 cm, pale yellow to white (female) or golden-yellow with black borders (male)
- Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae): Wingspan of 6 cm, bright yellow (male) or pale yellow/white (female)
Adult butterflies feed on nectar from tubular flowers, such as those from orange, senna, and other host plants.
Footnotes
