Butterflies at Home



Southern Dogface

The Southern Dogface (Zerene cesonia) is a bright yellow and black member of the sulphur family. The characteristic dogface pattern is seen from above, and sometimes from below. The wings are sharply pointed. It is common in the southwest U.S. but less common in the north and east.

Size: 2.0" - 2.75"

Host Plants: Alfalfa, prairie clover, white clover, false indigo, kidneywood, legumes

Southern Dogface Butterfly Life Cycle Stages and Times

Stage Typical Duration
Egg stage 4 to 7 days
Caterpillar (larval) stage 2 to 4 weeks
Chrysalis (pupal) stage 8 to 14 days
Adult butterfly stage 6 to 10 days

 

Southern Dogface Butterfly
Southern Dogface Butterfly

Southern Dogface Butterfly
Southern Dogface Butterfly

Southern Dogface Butterfly at the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center in San Antonio, Texas on October 22, 2016.
Southern Dogface butterfly at the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center in San Antonio, Texas
Photo by and courtesy of David B. Sweidel