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Clouded Sulphur
ExploreInsects
Clouded Sulphur
Colias philodice
The Clouded Sulphur is a bright yellow butterfly with beautiful orange spots. It flutters around fields and gardens, bringing joy to everyone who sees it!
Habitat: Fields and gardens
Appearance
The Clouded Sulphur is a medium-sized butterfly, usually bright yellow in males and paler yellow or white in females. Its wings have a distinct black border, often broader on the forewings, and a small black spot on each forewing, helping to distinguish it from similar sulphur butterflies.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyPieridaeGenusColias
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Clouded Sulphur caterpillars are camouflaged green, blending perfectly with plant leaves!
Many Clouded Sulphurs gather at puddles to sip water and important minerals!
Some female Clouded Sulphurs are pure white, a cool trick called the 'alba' form!
These butterflies drink flower nectar using a long, straw-like 'proboscis'!
Special abilities
Ability
Color Change
Clouded Sulphur has wing colors that can appear brighter or duller, helping them absorb sunlight or blend into their surroundings.
Ability
Swift Flight
Clouded Sulphur can fly rapidly and erratically, making it difficult for predators to catch them mid-air.
Ability
Multi-Generational
Clouded Sulphur can complete several life cycles in a single warm season, allowing their populations to grow quickly.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 35-60 mm
- Size
- 17-25 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Flight Speed
- 20 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults sip nectar; caterpillars munch on legume leaves.
Age differences: Larvae eat leaves, while adults drink nectar from flowers.
Primary Foods
- Nectar
- Clover
- Alfalfa
- Vetch
- Dandelion
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
Traits
Spotted
Marked with spots or patches of a different color.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Clouded Sulphur Butterfly
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch butterflies from a distance so they feel safe and can fly freely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Clouded Sulphur's wingspan?
35-60 mm
How big is Clouded Sulphur?
17-25 mm
How long does Clouded Sulphur live?
7-14 days
How fast can Clouded Sulphur fly?
20 km/h
What does Clouded Sulphur eat?
Adults sip nectar; caterpillars munch on legume leaves.
Where is Clouded Sulphur usually found?
Fields and gardens
How does Clouded Sulphur hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Clouded Sulphur have?
6
Snap Map
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