Cloudless Sulphur Butterly
Phoebis sennae
Cloudless Sulphur Butterly
Phoebis sennae
On a cold December evening in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, we were surprised to discover that a small green butterfly had found its way inside. After some fluttering about, it came to rest hanging on the frame of a window. We inspected it closely to try to determine its identity; it is probably a male Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae). If it were a female, it would likely have a lighter white-to-yellow coloration.
As we watched it, it alternately extended and retracted its feeding tube or proboscis (visible curving across its antennae). We assumed it was searching for sustenance, and provided a little flat cup of diluted-down honey-water, positioned on the nearest venetian blind slat. However, we did not actually see it approach the cup.
Two days and two cold nights passed, and the little butterfly remained in our window. Then, in bright afternoon sun (with mid-fifties temperatures outside), it began fluttering actively against the window. After some discussion regarding the butterfly's prospects as an indoor captive, versus in the possibly wintry out-of-doors, we decided to catch the butterfly in a cup, and release it outside. After a moment's hesitation, the butterfly escaped the cup, flew vigorously up and over a neighboring rooftop, headed westward toward the sun, and disappeared from view.
The Cloudless Sulphur's range is from South America to southern Canada. They are commonly seen in the southern United States, and frequent open areas. We see them often along the beach.
This guide to Myrtle Beach is sponsored by Mitchells Publications.
Copyright © 2009 Patricia B. Mitchell.