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Tailed sulphur

Tailed sulphur

Phoebis neocypris

A species of Sulphurs

Phoebis neocypris, the tailed sulphur, is a butterfly in the family Pieridae. It is native to Mexico, Central America, and South America. There is a record for one stray in southern Texas. The habitat consists of tropical areas, especially in mid-elevation forests as well as open and disturbed areas. The wingspan is 39–44 mm (1.5–1.7 in). Males are orange and females are whitish or yellowish. Both have a triangular extension on each hindwing. Adults are on wing all year round in Mexico and Central America. They are on wing in September in southern Texas. They feed on flower nectar of various flowers, including Lantana and Impatiens species. The larvae feed on fresh leaves of Cassia species.

General Info About Tailed sulphur
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Attributes of Tailed sulphur
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
tropical area; mid-elevation forest; disturbed area
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from lantana, trifolium, asclepias, thistle, and asters
Larva Food Source
Cassia species leaves
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Tailed sulphur is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Life Cycle of Tailed sulphur
Egg At this initial stage, the tailed sulphur is encapsulated in a protective shell, often laid on the underside of leaves. The eggs are small, spherical, and sometimes have distinct patterns or colors that help camouflage them from predators.
Larva Upon hatching, the caterpillar or larva of the tailed sulphur emerges. It's a long, worm-like creature with a voracious appetite, primarily to accumulate energy for later stages. It grows in size, and may molt several times, changing colors and patterns with each molt.
Pupal After reaching sufficient size and mass, the tailed sulphur enters the pupal stage, forming a chrysalis. During this time, it undergoes a remarkable transformation, reorganizing its structure completely. The chrysalis may exhibit different colors, often blending with the environment.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult tailed sulphur's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction. Its colors are often bright and serve various functions.
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Predators of Tailed sulphur Larvae
Birds, spiders, wasps, ants, mantises
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Predators of Adult Tailed sulphur
Birds, spiders, praying mantises, lizards, rodents, bats
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Interesting Facts About Tailed sulphur
Tailed sulphur's pupae can reflect ultraviolet light, which is believed to deter predators by blending in with the surrounding environment's natural UV patterns.
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Scientific Classification of Tailed sulphur
Tips for Finding Tailed sulphur
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How Can You Attract Tailed sulphur
Adult tailed sulphur may be attracted to traps baited with fermenting fruit or sweet substances as they feed on sugary nectar.
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Habitat Preferences of Tailed sulphur Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of tailed sulphur are typically deposited singly on the host plants, often on the undersides of leaves in sheltered areas to protect them from predators and harsh environmental conditions. As caterpillars, tailed sulphur are usually found munching on the foliage of the host plants, camouflaged among leaves to avoid predators. Once they enter the pupal stage, tailed sulphur chrysalises can commonly be located hanging from the stems or leaf surfaces of host plants, in a place where they can undergo metamorphosis undisturbed. To search for these stages, look closely at the specific host plants in habitats such as meadows, forest edges, or roadsides where these plants are abundant.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Tailed sulphur
The best time to look for adult tailed sulphur would be on warm, sunny days, preferably in the morning when they are most active.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Tailed sulphur
Seek out tailed sulphur during dry conditions as they are less active in the rain and cold weather.
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How and Where Can You Find Tailed sulphur at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of tailed sulphur are usually laid on host plants. Identify the specific plants associated with tailed sulphur and examine the undersides of leaves for tiny, spherical eggs.
Larva Tailed sulphur larvae are caterpillars that feed on host plants. Look for them by carefully checking the foliage of these plants, paying attention to leaves that show signs of feeding.
Pupal Tailed sulphur pupae are often camouflaged and can be found attached to host plants or nearby structures. Search lower branches and the underside of leaves for chrysalides.
Adult Adult tailed sulphur can be found near flowering plants from which they feed. Sightings are more frequent in open, sunny areas with abundant nectar sources. Using a butterfly net can aid in catching them for study before release.
Are Tailed sulphur harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Tailed sulphur
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar, Collect Pollen To Feed Offspring
Tailed sulphur is a diligent pollinator, flitting from flower to flower with a preference for the vivid blooms of Asteraceae and Fabaceae. Attracted by the bright colors and alluring scents, it seeks both nectar and pollen—for nourishment and to provision future generations. Its pollen-collecting activity inadvertently contributes to the cross-pollination of plants, fostering biodiversity and aiding in food production.
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