Pale Clouded Yellow
Common NamePale Clouded Yellow
Scientific NameColias hyale
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyColiadinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale yellow, reddish-pink
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, lucerne fields, agricultural areas, open country
Geographic RangeEurope, temperate Asia
Host PlantsTrifolium, Medicago, Lotus
Flight PeriodMay to October
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are green with a pale lateral stripe, feeding on legumes. Pupation occurs head-down, and the species typically has multiple broods per year, overwintering as a larva.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its very pale yellow or greenish-white ground colour, especially in females, and the prominent ringed spot on the hindwing underside. The reddish-pink fringe on the wing margins is also a key feature.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with pale yellow to greenish-white wings, a distinct dark spot on the forewing, and a ringed spot on the hindwing underside. The wing margins are often fringed with reddish-pink.
