Christina Sulphur
Common NameChristina Sulphur
Scientific NameColias christina
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyColiadinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsyellow, green, pink
HabitatSubalpine meadows, open forests, clearings, roadsides, often at higher elevations
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from Alaska and Yukon south through British Columbia and Alberta into the Rocky Mountains of the US (Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah)
Host PlantsAstragalus, Hedysarum
Flight PeriodJune to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on legume host plants. Larvae are green and overwinter before pupating on the host plant.
Identification TipsLook for the greenish-yellow ventral hindwing with a pink fringe and a small silver-centered spot. Males are typically bright yellow dorsally, while females can be yellow or white.
Description
A medium-sized sulphur butterfly with pale greenish-yellow ventral wings, often with a distinct pinkish fringe. The ventral hindwing features a small silver-centered spot, and the ventral forewing may have a small black dash.
