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Species Detail
Southern Dogface
Zerene cesonia (Stoll, 1790)
Attributes of Zerene cesoniaFamily: Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae) Subfamily: Sulphurs (Coliadinae) Identification: Upperside forewings of both sexes have yellow "dog's head" surrounded by black. "Eye" does not touch black border. Female similar, with duller, more diffuse black areas and 2 seasonal forms: underside hindwing of wet season "summer" form is yellow; that of dry season "winter" form is mottled with black and pink. Life history: Males patrol open areas for females. Eggs are laid on the undersides of terminal leaves of host plants. Adults overwinter in reproductive arrest. Flight: Three flights in the southern states from May-June, July-August, and September-April. Northern colonists have one generation per year, or do not reproduce at all. Wing span: 2 1/8 - 3 inches (5.4 - 7.6 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Small-leaved plants in the pea family (Fabaceae) including alfalfa (Medicago sativa); prairie clovers (Pentalostemon), indigo (Dalea), and clover (Trifolium) species. Adult food: Nectar from flowers including alfalfa, coreopsis, houstonia, and verbena. Habitat: Dry, open areas such as short-grass prairie hills, scrub oak groves, open woodland, washes, road edges. Range: Resident in South America north to southern Texas and peninsular Florida. Stray or temporary resident from central California northeast through the Great Lakes area and all the eastern states. Conservation: Not usually required. NatureServe Global Status: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Management needs: None reported. | Documented Records for Zerene cesonia
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