Clouded Sulphur
Colias philodice
Summary
The clouded sulphur (aka common sulphur) is a one of our most common resident butterflies. With its low, hurried flight pattern, it always seems like it has somewhere to be–and if you allow clover or dandelions to flourish in your lawn, you might become a favored destination. In addition to providing nectar, clover is also valuable as a host plant for the tiny eggs. Adult butterflies visit flowers for nectar, and often congregate at mud puddles or animal dung to extract moisture and minerals.
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FAMILY
Pieridae (Whites and Sulphurs)
IDENTIFICATION
Wingspan 1.5 -2.75 inches. Upper surface of male wings bright, clear yellow with solid black edging; lower side of forewing with some dark submarginal spots; hindwing with silver cell spot rimmed with orange-pink, usually doubled. Female has 2 forms: yellow form with uneven black edging enclosing yellow spots, and a white form which is greenish-white rather than yellow.
HABITAT
Open areas, including fields, pastures, meadows, and gardens.
LIFE CYCLE
Egg turns from pale yellow to red before caterpillar hatches. Caterpillar overwinters as partially grown larva. Before butterfly emerges, the chrysalis takes on a pink tint, adorned with a pink "zipper" signaling the imminent emergence of the adult butterfly. Adult: gather in small or large groups in wet areas to sip water from the mud, aiding in nutrient intake.
HOST PLANTS
Legumes, especially white clover (Trifolium repens) and red clover (Trifolium pratense).
Ecosystem Connections
The caterpillars are herbivores that graze on vegetation, and adults serve a role in pollination. All life stages provide food for predators. Additionally, because butterflies are so sensitive to toxins and disturbance, they are good indicators of the overall health of ecosystems.
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