Butterflies of Zihuatanejo

SUPERFAMILY PAPILIONOIDEA

-Marcellina Sulphur (Phoebis Marcelina)

The Marcellina Sulphur (Phoebis marcellina) is a large, vibrant butterfly known for its brilliant yellow colour and strong, fast flight. Males are primarily brilliant, clear yellow on the upper side with virtually no markings. Females can range from yellow to nearly white. They often feature black or brown markings along the wing margins and a distinctive dark spot on the forewing. They thrive in open, sunny areas such as gardens, parks, forest edges, and roadsides.

Diet

Caterpillars feed primarily on legumes (Fabaceae), especially Senna and related plants.
Adults feed on flower nectar and frequently visit damp soil or sand to obtain dissolved minerals.

Range

Phoebis marcellina ranges from the southwestern United States and Mexico through Central America and into much of South America.
It is particularly widespread in western and tropical Mexico.
Guerrero is within its range, and it occurs in the Zihua area.

Habitat

It occurs in tropical dry forest, woodland, scrub, forest edges, fields, roadsides, gardens, and other open habitats where Senna and related legumes grow.
It is especially common in sunny, disturbed areas and along forest margins.
Adults readily visit flowers and are also frequently seen on damp ground or wet sand.

Description

A large, bright yellow sulphur with a wingspan of approximately 65–75 mm.
Males are almost entirely yellow above, with relatively little dark marking on the wings.
Females are more variable and usually have darker markings along the wing margins; some females are predominantly white.
The forewing tips are rounded rather than strongly hooked, helping distinguish it from some other large Phoebis.
The underside is yellow to greenish-yellow, usually with scattered reddish-brown or silvery markings.
The wing fringes can become distinctly pinkish, particularly in individuals associated with cooler-season conditions.