Southern Dogface
Colias cesonia

Size:
Wingspan is 2 1/2 - 3 1/4 inches.

Similar Species:
Clouded Sulphur
Orange Sulphur

Habitat:
Open areas, brushy fields, roadsides and weedy pastures.

Range/Abundance:
Accidental in coastal NC, SC and VA. Not recorded in WV.

Flight Period:
Adults fly in late summer in our region.

Larval Host Plants:
Members of the pea family Fabaceae including alfalfa Medicago sativa and clover (Trifolium spp.).

Comments:
This is a fast, erratic flier and it seldom lands when on the move. It is likely overlooked for Clouded/Orange Sulphur.

You can actually see the poodle head shape from above on the forewing in flight if you’re looking for it.

Winter form have a pink cast to them like the female on the right.

The top and bottom photos are from along the Ohio River in Clermont Co., OH. (east of Cincinnati) on September 01, 2002. The center photo was taken at the NABA International Butterfly Park in Hidalgo Co., TX on December 06, 2004.

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