Clouded Sulfur Butterfly
Clouded Sulfer:
The Clouded Sulfur is a dainty yellow butterfly common throughout most of the United States and Canada except for the coastal regions of Florida, Texas and California.
It is on the wing from spring to fall in most areas, sometimes longer in warm climates.
It is also known as the Mud Puddle Butterfly, because males are fond of gathering around moist areas on roadsides and gardens.
This butterfly, as well as the closely related Orange sulfur (Colias eurytheme), has followed the spread of agriculture, since the larvae feed on various members of the pea family, such as clover and alfalfa.
Although pests to farmers, both species of sulfer are ideal for butterfly gardeners, since clover and alfalfa are easy to grow in home gardens.
Description:
The Clouded Sulphur is mostly yellow above, with black margins, and has a black spot on the fore-wing. The Orange sulfur looks similar, but is more orange in color than yellow.
From wing tip to wing tip, it measure from 1 and 1/3 inches to 2 and 3/8 inches.
Habitat:
Coulded sulfurs are found in various open areas where clover abounds, including fields, roadsides, parks and yards and gardens. Various members of the pea family, especially clovers (Trifolium), are the principal host plants.
Habits:
Members of this family can often be seen basking with their wings closed, sideways to the sun.
Male sulfers patrol areas looking for receptive females and often congregate at mud puddles.
Sometimes the Clouded and Orange Sulphurs interbreed, producing hybrid butterflies that have certain characteristics of both parents.
Larvae and Host Plants:
The Orange sulphur is more partial to Alfalfa.
Larvae are dark green, with a dark stripe on the back and a lighter stripe on the side.
Nectar Flowers:
Aster (Aster), goldenrod (Solidago), phlox (Phlox), clover (Trifolium) and others.
Clouded Sulfur and Other Common Butterflies
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