Interestingly, not all clouded sulphurs are yellow in color. This is because the males of this species often mate with Alfalfa Sulphurs (Colias eurytheme), also known as Orange Sulphurs. Needless to say, their youngsters often emerge with some very unusual colorings. Should you happen to see a butterfly hanging out in your flower garden that resembles a clouded sulphur but perhaps has orange wings, it could very well be one of these "mixed sulphur breed" kids! Another note of interest is that the female clouded sulphurs are very often white in color. So don't be too surprised should you see several different colors of clouded sulphurs visiting your flowers during the summer.
The range of cloudless sulphur butterflies is more limited, and they are found primarily in the southern, midwestern, and northeastern regions of the United States. Cloudless sulphurs are also much larger than their clouded sulphur relatives. If you live along the Gulf Coast you will be blessed with many of these beauties!
Male cloudless sulphurs tend to be bright lemon yellow in color, while the females of this species can be seen anywhere from bright yellow to golden to white. As with male clouded sulphurs, the cloudless male butterflies also enjoy puddling. Thus, you'll no doubt see the fellows of both of these species lurking around your puddles!
Cloudless female butterflies look for cassias (sennas) on which to lay their eggs. So be sure you plant some cassias somewhere in your garden if you live in their locale, as they'll need these as host plants to feed their baby caterpillars. It's always a good idea to provide both host plants AND nectar plants in your butterfly garden. Doing this could also provide you with the fabulous experience of observing the mystical process of metamorphosis if you have a keen eye!
Just to whet your interest in attracting this adorable species to your butterfly garden, why not take a look at another photo of a strikingly beautiful Cloudless Sulphur Butterfly!
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