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Orange sulphur

Orange sulphur

Colias eurytheme

A species of Clouded yellows, Also known as Alfalfa butterfly, Orange sulfur butterfly

The Colias eurytheme, also known as the orange sulphur butterfly, is widely distributed in North America. It is easily found and recognized in the fields and gardens owing to its special characteristics. If you look carefully at it, you will see obvious orange color on the top of the wings and solid black borders, as well as a black spot on each forewing.

General Info About Orange sulphur
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Attributes of Orange sulphur
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
White
Habitat
open site (field; vacant lot; meadow; roadside)
Adult Food Sources
Aster (aster spp.), goldenrod (solidago spp.), milkweed (asclepias spp.), thistle (cirsium spp.), clover (trifolium spp.)
Larva Food Source
Alfalfa (medicago sativa), white clover (trifolium repens), red clover (trifolium pratense), vetch (vicia spp.), pea plants (pisum spp.)
Non-poisonous
The Orange sulphur is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Orange sulphur is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Orange sulphur feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Orange sulphur
It can be found from southern Mexico to almost all throughout North America.
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Distribution Area of Orange sulphur
From southern Mexico to almost all throughout North America
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Appearance of Orange sulphur
Male Colias eurytheme hindwings demonstrate an ultraviolet reflectance pattern while female Colias eurytheme hindwings demonstrate ultraviolet absorbing patterns.
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How to Identify Orange sulphur?

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Life Cycle of Orange sulphur
Egg The egg stage starts when a female orange sulphur lays its eggs on a host plant. The eggs are tiny, oval, and can have varied colors, typically blending with the foliage to provide camouflage from predators.
Larva Hatchlings emerge as larvae, also known as caterpillars. Initially, they are small and inconspicuous, but as they grow, their size, color, and pattern can drastically change. Caterpillars have voracious appetites and molt several times, expanding their exoskeleton.
Pupal The caterpillar enters the pupal stage by transforming into a chrysalis. During this time, the orange sulphur is immobile and undergoes significant changes internally. The chrysalis may vary in texture and color, providing camouflage or warning signals.
Adult Emerging from the chrysalis, the adult orange sulphur's development is marked by the presence of fully formed wings and reproduction capability. Coloration is often bright and patterns are species-specific. The adult focuses on mating and laying eggs.
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Predators of Adult Orange sulphur
Birds, spiders, mantises, robber flies
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Interesting Facts About Orange sulphur
Orange sulphur has the remarkable ability to change its wing color from yellow to white to communicate with others or adapt to different temperatures.
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Scientific Classification of Orange sulphur
Tips for Finding Orange sulphur
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Youth Habitat of Orange sulphur
Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Orange sulphur
Grasslands and Prairies, Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Meadows
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How Can You Attract Orange sulphur
Flowers rich in nectar, such as buddleia or milkweed, can serve as natural lures for orange sulphur.
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Habitat Preferences of Orange sulphur Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of orange sulphur are typically found on the host plants, in particular, the leaves of legumes. The caterpillars, or larvae, frequent the underside of leaves to feed and avoid predators, making them slightly more concealed. Searching for larvae often requires careful examination of the host plants. Pupae can usually be located in sheltered areas near the food source as they attach themselves for metamorphosis. Adults, which are butterflies, are more wide-ranging and can be found in open fields, meadows, and gardens where they feed on nectar from a variety of flowers. To observe adults, one should visit these areas on sunny days when butterflies are most active.
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How and Where Can You Find Orange sulphur at Different Life Stages
Egg Orange sulphur eggs are typically laid on the host plants, which include various species in the Fabaceae family. You can find them by closely examining leaves for small, cylindrical eggs.
Larva Orange sulphur larvae, or caterpillars, are found on or near their host plants. To find them, search for signs of feeding on leaves and then look for the caterpillars, which may be camouflaged.
Pupal Orange sulphur pupae might be on the ground or attached to stems of plants near the larval food source. These can be identified by their distinctive chrysalis form, often blending in with surrounding colors.
Adult Adult orange sulphur can be found sipping nectar from flowering plants. Gardens, meadows, and fields are good places to look for them, especially in full sun.
Are Orange sulphur harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Orange sulphur
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Agricultural Pests

Larvae of orange sulphur are known to chew on the leaves of leguminous plants, which can range from mild to severe damage depending on pest numbers. A small number leads to defoliation and growth reduction, whereas high populations can lead to significant crop loss and impact human food supply indirectly.

More Effects of Orange sulphur

Beneficial Effects of Orange sulphur
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Asteraceae, Fabaceae
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar, Accidental Contamination While Feeding On Nectar
Orange sulphur is a vital pollinator that flutters from flower to flower. While searching for nectar and pollen for sustenance, they inadvertently collect and transfer pollen, assisting in plant reproduction. Their preference for bright flowers aids them in locating floral resources.
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