Little Yellow

Pyrisitia lisa is also treated as Eurema lisa. Little Yellow, Little Sulphur and Lisa Yellow are common names for this American species, which is distinct from the Old World Eurema hecabe. [3][6]

Yellow upper wings have dark margins and forewing tips. The Alabama atlas identifies two small dark marks near the base of the ventral hindwing as useful characters. Colour and markings vary with sex and seasonal form. [5][3]

The species has a southern resident range and expands northward during warm weather. Missouri accounts describe annual recolonization followed by mortality in freezing conditions. Illinois records include open grassy fields and disturbed, dry sites. [3][4][6]

The Alabama atlas describes cream, spindle-shaped eggs laid singly, green larvae with fine pale lateral markings and a green chrysalis. It distinguishes summer forms from darker winter forms and records occasional adult overwintering in coastal counties during suitable winters. [5]

Documented Alabama larval hosts include common partridge pea, common sensitive plant, yellow puff and powder puff mimosa, all legumes. Missouri accounts describe adults taking nectar and obtaining moisture or minerals from damp ground. [5][3]

Illinois observations describe low, slow, bouncing flight near vegetation. Missouri accounts also record flower visits and groups at mud. [4][3]

The Illinois natural-history account records ultraviolet reflection from male wings. [4]

In Missouri, adults use asters and goldenrods as late-season nectar resources. [3]

Authoritative American accounts use both Pyrisitia lisa and Eurema lisa. These generic combinations refer to the same species and provide access to records published under either name. [3][6]

Butterflies and Moths of North America lists the NatureServe global rank G5, Secure, for Pyrisitia lisa. [6]

The dorsal view displays the dark borders and forewing tips; the ventral view reveals the small marks near the hindwing base. The extent of the markings varies with sex and seasonal form. [3][5]

Scott Schubr’s illustration emphasizes the contrast between the yellow fields and dark wing margins. Complete views preserve the small underside characters used in identification.

Protect framed specimens from daylight, dampness, pests and handling damage. Inspect the enclosure periodically and seek advice before opening it or touching fragile wings. [1]

Why do individuals differ in colour? The Alabama account describes seasonal forms, including darker winter individuals. Sex also affects the extent of the dark dorsal borders. [5]