Little Yellow

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Identity and classification

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]

Morphology and identification

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]

Distribution and habitat

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]

Life cycle

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]

Feeding and host plants

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]

Behaviour

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

Distinctive biology

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

Ecology

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

Nomenclature and history

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]

Conservation

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

Specimen interpretation

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]

Artistic interpretation

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.

Display and care

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]

Key questions

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]

Sources and further reading

Caring for natural history collections ↗
Canadian Conservation Institute · Accessed 2026-10-09
About Butterflies ↗
Smithsonian Gardens · Accessed 2026-10-09
Little Yellow ↗
Missouri Department of Conservation · Accessed 2026-10-09
Little Yellow butterfly ↗
Illinois Department of Natural Resources · Accessed 2026-10-09
Little Yellow species detail ↗
Alabama Butterfly Atlas / University of South Florida · Accessed 2026-10-09
Pyrisitia lisa ↗
Butterflies and Moths of North America · Accessed 2026-10-09

Artworks in the collection

Framed and digital artworks featuring this species. Current options and prices are listed on Etsy.

Amethyst Edition 001 ↗Framed work

Related species

Sources checked 2026-10-11. Illustrations · Luminary Oddities.

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