Lepidoptera Gallery
Butterflies
Butterfly and Moth Image Gallery
: Butterflies
Zerene cesonia (Dog Face Sulphur)
Each forewing of this butterfly has a yellow and black pattern that resembles a profile of a dog's head with a black eye. The undersides of the wings are yellow. The hindwing had a black border. In the fall generation, underwings appear pinkish (mimicry of the changing leaf colors). The wingspan is from 2.5 to 2.75 inches.
This species lives in open areas such as pastures and prairies, and along streams, roadsides, and wooded areas. Adults, which feed on flower nectar, are fast fliers. Females lay eggs on legumes such as clovers and false indigo. Larvae feed on foliage. There are two or more generations each year. Adults migrate to Illinois to breed. They do not survive the winter.
Collection of the Illinois State Museum
Photographed by Dr. Everett Cashatt
Accession #:
Butterfly and Moth Image Gallery
: Butterflies
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