Berger's Clouded Yellow
Common NameBerger's Clouded Yellow
Scientific NameColias alfacariensis
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyColiadinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsyellow, green, white, black
HabitatDry, calcareous grasslands, rocky slopes, meadows
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Europe, extending eastwards
Host PlantsHippocrepis comosa
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the host plant. Caterpillars are green with a pale lateral stripe, feeding on Horseshoe Vetch. Pupation occurs on the host plant.
Identification TipsDistinguishable from other *Colias* species by its specific host plant (*Hippocrepis comosa*) and the characteristic pale greenish-yellow underside with a distinct white hindwing spot, often with a reddish ring. Females can be yellow or a paler whitish form.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly, typically yellow with black wing borders dorsally. The ventral side, as shown in the image, is a pale greenish-yellow with a prominent white spot on the hindwing.
