Clouded Sulphur
Image: Miami U. Libraries - Digital Collections (Public domain)
Common NameClouded Sulphur
Scientific NameColias philodice
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyColiadinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Primary Colorsyellow, black
HabitatMeadows, open fields, agricultural areas, roadsides
Geographic RangeNorth America (widespread from Alaska and Canada south to Mexico)
Host Plantsclover, alfalfa, vetch, lupine
Flight PeriodApril to November (multiple broods)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesFemales lay single eggs on host plant leaves. Caterpillars are green with a faint white stripe, pupating into a green chrysalis. Multiple generations occur annually.
Identification TipsLook for bright yellow wings with a black border on the forewings and a single black spot. Often found in open, sunny areas, flying close to the ground. Females can sometimes be white (alba form).
Description
A medium-sized butterfly, typically bright yellow with a distinct black border on the forewings and a small black spot on each forewing. The illustration also features a larger reddish-orange butterfly with prominent dark veins, pale spots, and a blueish tint on its hindwings, likely a stylized Nymphalid.
