Insect · GBIF taxon 5137694
Orange Sulphur
Colias eurythemeAlso known as Alfalfa Butterfly, Alfalfa Caterpillar
Orange sulphurs are highly energetic butterflies easily recognized by the bright orange flush on the upper surface of their wings, bordered by broad black margins. Spring and late autumn generations often display lighter, yellow-dominated coloration compared to the deep orange summer adults. Males tirelessly patrol open fields and agricultural areas in search of females, frequently puddling at damp mud patches to ingest mineral salts.
DiurnalPollinatorMigratory
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Alfalfa nectar
- Clover nectar
- Dandelion nectar
Predators
- Birds
- Spiders
- Praying mantises
ThreatsAgricultural pesticides, land development, extreme weather events
HabitatsAlfalfa fields, pastures, meadows, roadsides, agricultural lands
Life span1 to 2 weeks (adult)
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyPieridae
- GenusColias
- SpeciesColias eurytheme
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Puddling Spots: Look for males gathering around damp soil or mud patches to sip essential minerals.
- Quiet Approach: Move slowly through sunny field edges where adults nectar on clover and legumes.
Host Plant (c) Andreas Stiller, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Andreas Stiller · cc-by
Host Plant Vinayaraj / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Jimmy Dee, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Jimmy Dee · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Arlo Sitimans, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Mystic Meadows
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