Home / Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae) / Little Yellow (Eurema lisa)

Little Yellow (Eurema lisa)

The Little Yellow is a bright flavescent butterfly found in parts of North and Central America in two subspecies – E. l. euterpe and E. l. centralis. These are small arthropods found hovering in the old fields in bright sunny days.

Scientific Classification

Family: Pieridae
Genus: Eurema
Common names: Little sulphur, little sulfur
Scientific Name: Eurema lisa

Description and Identification

Caterpillar

The mature larva is yellowish green with a yellowish white line from head to the end on each side of the body.

Pupa

The chrysalis is reddish brown in color resembling the dry twigs of its host plant for the purpose of camouflage.

Adult Butterfly

Sexual Dimorphism: No visible differences

Color and Appearance: When the wings are open, the dorsal side of the two pairs of wings display a wide dark margin atop a bright yellow base with the borders in the outer corners of the primary wings being thicker. When the wings are closed, the ventral side of the two hind wings show a pair of basal black spots and tiny light gray blotches.

Average wingspan: 32 to 44 mm

Flight pattern: Fast and erratic

Eggs

Bright yellow to cream in color, laid singly (one at a time) in close clusters

Quick Facts
Distribution	Central America and the southern part of North America
Habitat	Open meadows and roadsides
Lifespan of adults	Up to 10 days
Host plants	Preferred host plant is partridge pea (Cassia fasciculata)
Adult diet	Flower nectar of flower species belonging to the genus Aster

Did You Know?

Owing to their small size, apparently similar coloration, and common habitat, the butterfly watchers often confuse the species for the Sulphur Butterfly, which is also found in Wisconsin.