Mead's Sulphur
Common NameMead's Sulphur
Scientific NameColias meadii
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyColiadinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsgreenish-yellow, orange, pink, black
HabitatAlpine meadows, tundra, high elevations
Geographic RangeRocky Mountains of North America (southern Alberta, British Columbia, south to Colorado, Utah)
Host PlantsTrifolium spp. (clover), Astragalus spp. (milk-vetch)
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants, and larvae feed on legumes, overwintering before pupating on the plant.
Identification TipsKey features include the greenish-yellow underside with an orange forewing flush, a silver-centered hindwing spot, and reddish-pink wing fringes, typically found in high-altitude alpine environments.
Description
This butterfly displays a fuzzy, greenish-yellow underside with an orange flush on the forewings. It is marked with a prominent silver-centered white spot on the hindwing and a smaller black spot on the forewing, all framed by a distinctive reddish-pink fringe.
