• Butterflies
• Dragonflies
• Damselflies
• Tiger beetles
• Hike with Mike

• The butterflies:
• Whites and Sulphurs
  • Whites
  • Sulphurs
• Sulphurs
  • Clouded Sulphur
  • Orange Sulphur
  • Pink-edged Sulphur
  • Southern Dogface
  • Cloudless Sulphur
  • Orange-barred Sulphur
  • Large Orange Sulphur
  • Mexican Yellow
  • Little Yellow
  • Sleepy Orange
  • Dainty Sulphur

Southern Dogface

(Colias cesonia)

The Southern Dogface is considered a migrant in Wisconsin. It is mainly a southern species but should be looked for in the southern counties of the state in most years, as well as along the major rivers or along Lake Michigan, both of which seem to be favorite routes north for migrating or stray species. Ebner (1970) notes that this species may at times form colonies and reproduce in the state. Its larval food plant, Leadplant (Amorpha canescens), is present throughout much of Wisconsin’s former prairie or oak savannah regions.

Identifying characteristics: Above, this butterfly, which is slightly larger than the Clouded Sulphur, is yellow with a very distinctive black border, and has a pointed front wing. The yellow on the front wing forms what looks like a dogs head, hence its common name. Below the pointed shape of the front wing is evident. Late season individuals often are tinged with pink.

Similar species: On the wing, this species could be mistaken for the Clouded Sulphur, but the shape of the wing, somewhat larger size, and the distinctive border distinguishes this species easily when it alights.

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