Dark Clouded Yellow
Common NameDark Clouded Yellow
Scientific NameColias croceus
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyColiadinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, yellow, black, pink
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, cultivated fields, open areas
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, Middle East, Central Asia
Host Plantsclover, lucerne, vetch, trefoil
Flight PeriodMarch to November
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are green with a pale stripe. Pupation occurs head-down. The species is multi-brooded, with larvae overwintering.
Identification TipsKey features include the overall orange-yellow coloration (though yellow forms exist), a distinct black spot on the forewing, a white spot on the hindwing underside, and a characteristic pinkish wing fringe.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with bright orange-yellow upperwings and duller greenish-yellow underwings, featuring a prominent black spot on the forewing and a white spot on the hindwing, all bordered by a pink fringe.
