Clouded Sulphur
Common NameClouded Sulphur
Scientific NameColias philodice
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyColiadinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsyellow, black
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, alfalfa fields, roadsides, gardens
Geographic RangeNorth America (southern Canada to Mexico)
Host Plantsclover, alfalfa, vetch, sweet clover
Flight PeriodApril to November (multiple broods)
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are green with a white stripe. Pupae are green chrysalides, and the species undergoes multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsDistinguished from the similar Orange Sulphur by the lack of prominent orange on the upper wings. The underside hindwing usually has a single silver spot, often ringed in pink or brown.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with bright yellow or greenish-yellow wings, often featuring a distinct black border on the forewings, particularly in males. The underside of the hindwing typically has a single silver spot.
