Statira Sulphur (Phoebis statira [Cramer])
Wing span: 2 3/8 - 3 1/8 inches (6 - 8 cm).
Identification: Upper surface of male wings divided by ridge of scales; outer half of wing pale yellow, inner half lemon yellow. Female lemon yellow with black borders at apex and outer margin, solid black cell spot.
Life history: Females lay eggs singly on young leaves of host plants.
Flight: Many flights in Florida from June-February. Makes large migrations in the tropics.
Caterpillar hosts: In Florida, Dalbergia ecastophyllum and Calliandra, both in the pea family (Fabaceae).
Adult food: Nectar from red-flowered plants including scarlet bush.
Habitat: Tropical scrub, gardens, fields, forest edges.
Range: Argentina north to southern Texas and southern Florida. Stray in southern Georgia, New Mexico, and Kansas.
