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Orange Sulphur |
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The above specimen is abnormal |
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| Colias eurytheme (Boisduval, 1852) |
| Status: Abundant resident. |
| Flight Period(s): Multiple continuous flights from spring until frost. Nebraska records are from 29 March – 21 November. |
| Range: Inhabits North America south of southern Canada. In Nebraska it can be found statewide. It is currently the only butterfly in Nebraska reported from all 93 counties. |
| Larval Hostplant(s): Herbaceous legumes as listed for C. philodice, but especially alfalfa (Medicago sativa). |
| Overwinter: As a pupae. |
| Commentary/Habitat: The Orange Sulphur has adapted to human activities (the cultivation of legumes and the clearing of forests) rather well, and is recorded as being more numerous and widespread than in the past. It is probably Nebraska’s most common butterfly. In the same fashion as the Clouded Sulphur this species is sexually dimorphic and there are albinic females. Hybrids between the two are common. Orange Sulphur males reflect ultraviolet light. While this species frequents pastures, road ditches and alfalfa fields it is also found in suburban areas. Adults nectar on a wide variety of flowers including marsh marigolds, purple coneflowers, fleabane, dogbane, ironweed, thistles, asters, alfalfa and sunflowers. |
| Similar Species: Clouded and Queen Alexandra’s Sulphurs. |