Elis Sulphur
Common NameElis Sulphur
Scientific NameColias hecla
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyColiadinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Primary Colorsyellow, green, pink, black
HabitatArctic tundra, alpine meadows, open rocky areas
Geographic RangeArctic North America, Greenland, northern Europe, northern Asia
Host PlantsAstragalus, Oxytropis
Flight PeriodJune to August
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are green and feed on legumes, overwintering before pupation. Pupae are typically green or brown, attached by a silken girdle.
Identification TipsKey features include the greenish-yellow underside, the distinct dark spot on the hindwing, and the reddish-pink fringe along the wing margins. The hairy, greenish body is also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with a hairy, greenish body and yellowish-green undersides, featuring a prominent dark spot on the hindwing. The wing margins are often fringed with pink.
