Clouded Yellow

Colias croceus

The Clouded Yellow butterfly is a bright yellow butterfly that loves to fly in sunny places. Its cheerful color makes it easy to spot!

Habitat: Open fields and meadows

Appearance

The Clouded Yellow is a medium-sized butterfly with bright lemon-yellow or orange-yellow wings, featuring distinctive broad black borders. Females sometimes appear greenish-white, a unique variation. Its vivid colouration and dark wing margins make it easily identifiable.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyPieridaeGenusColias

Clouded Yellow

Interesting facts

Butterfly wings are covered in thousands of tiny, colourful, overlapping scales.

Clouded Yellows can sometimes appear in huge swarms when conditions are perfect!

Some female Clouded Yellows are pale white, not yellow, surprising for their name!

They cannot survive cold winters, flying south or dying off in colder climates.

Special abilities

Clouded Yellows can fly very quickly and erratically, making them difficult targets for predators like birds.

Clouded Yellows can travel thousands of kilometers, allowing them to colonize new regions and escape cold winters.

Clouded Yellow larvae have green bodies with white stripes, which helps them blend into their food plants.

Some female Clouded Yellows have pale greenish-white wings, unlike the typical yellow, possibly for mimicry.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 40-52 mm
Size: 20-30 mm
Lifespan: 60-90 days
Flight Speed: 20 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars munch on legumes, while adults sip sweet nectar from various flowers.

Age differences: Larvae eat plant leaves; adults drink nectar from flowers.

Primary Foods

Clover leaves
Alfalfa leaves
Bird's-foot Trefoil leaves
Thistle nectar
Knapweed nectar
Dandelion nectar

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Red Clover

Trifolium pratense

Larvae feed on the leaves.

eats

Alfalfa

Medicago sativa

Caterpillars consume the foliage.

pollinates

Musk Thistle

Carduus nutans

Adults drink nectar, aiding pollination.

eaten by

Great Tit

Parus major

Birds can prey on adult butterflies.

eaten by

Common Wasp

Vespula vulgaris

Wasps may hunt larvae or adults.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Camouflaged

Look closely for animals that are masters of disguise, blending perfectly into their surroundings! Their colors and patterns help them hide from others.

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Grassland

These wide-open spaces are covered in grasses, often home to grazing animals and incredible predators! Experience the vastness of the plains.

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Migratory

Follow incredible journeys across the world! These animals travel far and wide at different times of the year, often to find better food or warmer places.