Dainty Sulphur Butterfly

Scientific Name

Nathalis iole

Average Life Span

~22 days

Wingspan

3/4 - 1 1/4 inches (1.9 - 3.2 cm)

The Dainty Sulphur butterfly is a member of the Pieridae family of butterflies, which also includes the well-known Clouded Sulphurs and Cabbage Whites. Its scientific name is Nathalis iole. This small butterfly is a beautiful sight in a range of locations, from open fields to gardens. Its yellow wings are occasionally dotted with faint black dots. Despite its small size, the Dainty Sulphur is known for its remarkable resilience and adaptability, often migrating over long distances to escape the cold winter temperatures. In addition to being a marvel of nature’s engineering, this species is essential to the pollination of numerous tiny flowers, which supports the ecological stability of its surroundings.

RANGE

Resident from Guatemala north to Florida and the Southwest. The dainty sulphur cannot survive cold winters, so each summer they re-colonize through the Great Plains to southeast Washington, southeast Idaho, Wyoming, and Minnesota.

Host Plants

Low-growing members of the aster family (Asteraceae), particularly cultivated marigold (Tagetes), fetid marigold (Dyssodia), sneezeweed (Helenium), shepherd’s needle (Bidens alba/pilosa), and carpetweed (Mullogo verticillata).

Read about the resurgence of the Atala butterfly, which was once on the verge of extinction but is again flourishing in Florida’s lush settings. Discover the critical role performed by its host plant, the Coontie, in this incredible conservation success story.