Clouded Yellow
Common NameClouded Yellow
Scientific NameColias croceus
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyColiadinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsorange, yellow, black
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, cultivated fields (especially clover and alfalfa), gardens, coastal dunes
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia; migratory to northern Europe
Host Plantsclover, alfalfa, trefoil, sainfoin
Flight PeriodApril to November (multiple broods)
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with a pale lateral stripe. Pupae are green and attached by a silken girdle, with multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsMales are typically bright orange-yellow with solid black borders. Females are similar but can be paler yellow or even whitish (form *helice*), often with yellow spots within the black border. Both sexes have a prominent black spot on the forewing and an orange spot on the hindwing.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly, typically bright orange-yellow with broad black borders on its wings, a distinct black spot on the forewing, and an orange spot on the hindwing. Females can also be pale yellow or whitish.
