Head to head
Cloudless Sulphur vs Zebra Longwing
The cloudless sulphur and zebra longwing are both common butterflies of the warm southern United States, but they have taken very different approaches to feeding and lifespan as adults.
| Cloudless Sulphur | Zebra Longwing | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Phoebis sennae | Heliconius charithonia |
| Adult diet | Nectar only | Nectar and pollen |
| Typical adult lifespan | A few weeks | Several months |
| Migration | Strong seasonal migration | Largely non-migratory |
| Roosting behaviour | Solitary | Communal, same site reused nightly |
| State symbol status | None | Official state butterfly of Florida |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Diet | Herbivore | Herbivore |
Cloudless Sulphur vs Zebra Longwing: common questions
Why does the zebra longwing live so much longer than the cloudless sulphur?
The zebra longwing is the only North American butterfly documented to actively feed on pollen as an adult, and the extra protein this provides is believed to be the main reason individuals can live for several months, considerably longer than the cloudless sulphur and most other butterflies, which rely on nectar alone and typically survive only a few weeks as adults.
Do both butterflies migrate?
The cloudless sulphur undertakes a strong, purposeful migration each autumn, flying in a direct line rather than the meandering flight typical of most butterflies, while the zebra longwing is largely non-migratory, instead sticking to a home range and returning to the same communal roosting site night after night.
Are the cloudless sulphur and zebra longwing both toxic to predators?
The zebra longwing accumulates toxic compounds from the passionflower vines its caterpillar feeds on, making the adult unpalatable and allowing its bold black-and-yellow pattern to serve as a warning signal, while the cloudless sulphur does not rely on the same kind of chemical defence, depending instead on its size, fast flight, and paler colouration for protection.