AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Phoebis sennae
Cloudless Sulphur
Linnaeus, 1758
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Medium-sized butterfly with an impressive wingspan. Its wings feature an intense lemon-yellow color, almost without markings in the male. The body is robust and covered in fine scales. Its legs and antennae are adapted for prolonged flight and precise flower seeking.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Arthropoda
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Insecta
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Lepidoptera
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Pieridae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Phoebis
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Linnaeus, 1758
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits a wide variety of neotropical environments, from urban gardens to dense tropical forests. Prefers open areas with abundant sunlight and the presence of host plants of the genus Senna.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Active mainly during the day, seeking sugar-rich flowers.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary in its flights.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Specialist in nectar from various flowers.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Essential pollinator in open ecosystems.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Females lay eggs on Senna leaves where larvae feed.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
5.0 - 7.0 cm
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.50 - 100
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
--
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
5 - 10
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males1 - 3 Months
Females1 - 3 Months
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Generally brighter and without dark markings.
Females Multi-lang
Usually has dark markings or spots on the wings.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Seasonal migration: Performs massive movements northward, demonstrating navigation capability based on sunlight and the magnetic field.
Spectral vision: Their compound eyes detect a range of colors in the ultraviolet spectrum, allowing them to identify hidden nectars.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat loss: The reduction of Senna plants due to agricultural expansion severely impacts its reproductive cycle.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Expert navigators: They are known for their erratic but highly efficient flight, making them very difficult to catch by predators.