Large Orange Sulphur

Large Orange Sulphur (Phoebis agarithe) is in the Whites, Yellows, and Sulphurs family (Pieridae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 7,303 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in October.

Seasonal pattern in the national data: seasonal. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.

When to photograph Large Orange Sulphur: observations by month (U.S.)

About Large Orange Sulphur

Phoebis agarithe, the orange giant sulphur or large orange sulphur, is a butterfly in the family Pieridae. It is found from Peru north to southern Texas and peninsular Florida. Rare strays can be found up to Colorado, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and New Jersey. The species has also been introduced in Hawaii. The habitat consists of open, tropical lowlands including gardens, pastures, road edges, trails and parks.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Large Orange Sulphur by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related butterflies (Whites, Yellows, and Sulphurs)

Small WhitePieris rapae

Orange SulphurColias eurytheme

Cloudless SulphurPhoebis sennae

Sleepy OrangeEurema nicippe

Checkered WhitePontia protodice

Dainty SulphurNathalis iole

Little YellowEurema lisa

Clouded SulphurColias philodice

Photography tips

• Butterflies are sluggish on cool mornings — the best time for close approaches.
• Keep the sensor parallel to the wings for edge-to-edge sharpness.
• Nectar plants in bloom are reliable places to wait.

FAQ