Subject: Orange Sulfur, Perhaps
Location: Coryell County, central Texas
January 21, 2013 1:55 am
These lovely butterflies were enjoying the same tiny, white flowers as many others today. I think they may be Orange Sulfurs. Several flew in pairs. Beautiful weather, sun and warm temps this afternoon.
Signature: Ellen
Hi Ellen,
The smaller, blurry butterfly in the image with two individuals is some species of Sulphur, possibly and Orange Sulphur, but the larger butterfly and the one in the photo alone is a Southern Dogface, a species not very well represented on our site. According to BugGuide, it can be identified because the: “pattern of the upper forewing resembles a yellow “dog face” bordered by black, with a black circle forming the eye.” Since the Southern Dogface in your photo is backlit, the pattern on the dorsal wing surface shows through nicely.