Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1274177

Observation date: August 06, 2020
Submitted by: JudyLY
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: The butterfly was feeding off of some of the many Plains Sunflowers along the entrance road to the park.
Status: Resident
Verified by: stevecary
Verified date: September 12, 2020
Coordinator notes: Judy, this is a little complicated. Orange Sulphur and Clouded Sulphur are separate species, but they do interbreed and produce intermediate forms. The best character to distinguish one from the other is the extent of orange scales on the upperside of the forewing. Naturally, you can't really see that feature when they are perched because they keep their wings closed. Sometimes, for example with back-lighting, I can look at a photo and decide which it is. Bottom line for your photo, however, I really can't tell which one this is. BAMONA gives me the 'hybrid' option, 'eurytheme x philodice' so I took it.
Checklist region(s): United States, New Mexico, Doña Ana County