Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Pink-spot Sulphur
Aphrissa neleis (Boisduval, 1836)


Family: Pieridae
Subfamily: Coliadinae
Identification: Upper surface of male wings two-toned; inner half lemon yellow, outer half paler yellow. Basal yellow scales occupying the entire discal cell. Female lemon yellow with narrow black borders at apex, black cell spot. Small black spots at vein ends on the ventral hindwing. Both sexes have a subtle, diffused pinkish spot at the immediate base of the ventral hindwing.
Wing Span: 2 3/8 - 3 1/8 inches (6 - 8 cm).
Life History: Unknown.
Flight: Many flights in Florida, probably most of the year.
Caterpillar Hosts: Lysiloma sabicu (Fabaceae) reported in the Bahamas and in Florida.
Adult Food: Nectar from red-flowered plants, including firebush (Hamelia patens).
Habitat: Tropical scrub, gardens, fields, forest edges.
Range: This species has become quite common in urban environments in extreme southeastern Florida, where the host tree is planted in landscape settings.
Conservation: Not required.
NCGR: Not yet reported. Probably G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
Management Needs: None reported.
Comments: From John Calhoun 1/2012
Taxonomy Notes: None.
Get your BAMONA Gear!

Hoodies and t-shirts in two designs!


Advertise with us!

Do you have a product or service that you think would interest BAMONA users? If you would like to advertise on this website, contact us by email, or use the contact form and select the "Advertising" category.