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

Little Yellow Butterfly Eggs source: buglifecycle.com
Bright yellow to cream in color, laid singly (one at a time) in close clusters
Quick Facts |
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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.

Scientific Classification

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

