The Little Yellow is a small, bright yellow butterfly with black forewing tips and a black outer border on the upperside of the wings. Females have a reduced black border on the hindwing. The underside is scattered with dark markings and a large, rusty spot often occurs near the outer edge of the hindwing. In general, males are brighter and more solidly marked. Females are sometimes white, particularly in the fall.

 

“Little Yellow” by John Flannery, licensed under (CC BY-ND 2.0)

 

Little Yellow Facts

Butterfly Family: Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)

Butterfly Subfamily: Coliadinae

Butterfly Wingspan: 1 1/4 – 1 3/4 inches

Butterfly Habitat: Dry, open areas including roadsides, sandy fields, abandoned fields, along railroad tracks, and occasionally open woods

 

Little Yellow Host and Nectar Plants

Host Plants:

• Plants in the Fabaceae Family
  • Partridge Pea
  • Southern Wild Senna
  • Prairie Mimosa

Nectar Plants:

• Nectar from various flowers
  • Purple Coneflower
  • Asters
  • Goldenrods
  • Bluet
  • Butterfly Weed