Giant Sulphur
Common NameGiant Sulphur
Scientific NameColias philodice
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyColiadinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale yellow, greenish-yellow, pink
HabitatOpen fields, meadows, alfalfa fields, roadsides, gardens
Geographic RangeNorth America, from Alaska and Canada south to Mexico
Host Plantsclover, alfalfa, vetch
Flight PeriodApril to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are green with a white stripe, camouflaged on leaves. Pupae are green and attached by a silken girdle, with multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its pale greenish-yellow underside, reddish-pink wing fringe, and the single white spot (often ringed with brown) on the hindwing underside. Males are typically brighter yellow, while females can be yellow or white.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with pale greenish-yellow wings, a distinct reddish-pink fringe, and a prominent white spot ringed with reddish-brown on the hindwing underside.
