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Mountain clouded yellow

Mountain clouded yellow

Colias phicomone

A species of Clouded yellows

Colias phicomone, the mountain clouded yellow, is a butterfly in the family Pieridae. It is found in the Cantabrian Mountains, the Pyrenees, the Carpathian Mountains and the Alps. It flies at altitudes of 900 to 2800 meters. The wingspan is 40–50 mm. The butterfly flies from June to August depending on the location. The larvae feed on Fabaceae species.

General Info About Mountain clouded yellow
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Attributes of Mountain clouded yellow
Colors
Black
Yellow
Gray
White
Habitat
Alpine meadow; pasture; 1300 m to over 2400 m above sea level
Adult Food Sources
Thistles, asters, knautias, buddleias, lavenders
Larva Food Source
Lotus corniculatus (bird's-foot trefoil), trifolium spp. (clovers), vicia spp. (vetches), onobrychis spp. (sainfoins), oxytropis spp. (locoweeds)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Mountain clouded yellow is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Mountain clouded yellow is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Mountain clouded yellow
Widespread
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Distribution Area of Mountain clouded yellow
Cantabrian Mountains, the Pyrenees, the Carpathian Mountains, the Alps
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Life Cycle of Mountain clouded yellow
Egg The egg of mountain clouded yellow is laid individually or in clusters and is generally spherical or ovate. The color can vary but often blends with the environment to avoid predation. This stage focuses on embryonic development within the protective casing.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva of mountain clouded yellow is worm-like with a voracious appetite for foliage. During this stage, it will molt several times, significantly increasing in size with each instar and may change in color and pattern to better avoid predators.
Pupal After the final larval instar, mountain clouded yellow enters the pupal stage, forming a chrysalis. Inside, transformative changes occur: organs, tissues, and appendages reorganize. The pupa may exhibit cryptic coloration for camouflage or mimicry.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult mountain clouded yellow’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Predators of Mountain clouded yellow Larvae
Birds, ants, wasps, spiders, rodents
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Predators of Adult Mountain clouded yellow
Birds, spiders, rodents, praying mantises, lizards
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Scientific Classification of Mountain clouded yellow
Tips for Finding Mountain clouded yellow
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Youth Habitat of Mountain clouded yellow
Mountains and Alpine Regions, Grasslands and Prairies
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Adult Habitat of Mountain clouded yellow
Mountains and Alpine Regions, Grasslands and Prairies
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How Can You Attract Mountain clouded yellow
For attracting mountain clouded yellow, one can use bait traps with sweet substances because many butterflies are attracted to sugars. An overripe banana or molasses mixed with water can serve as an effective lure.
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Habitat Preferences of Mountain clouded yellow Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of mountain clouded yellow are typically laid on host plants found in alpine meadows and subalpine habitats, where the larvae favor a diet of specific flowering plants. Searching for larvae requires examining the underside of leaves on these host plants during the growing season. Pupae are often camouflaged and attached to stems or leaves near the ground, making them more challenging to spot; a careful survey of the host plant and immediate surroundings is necessary. Adults prefer open, sunny areas with abundant flowers for nectar, so to observe them, one should visit these habitats on warm, sunny days when they are most active in flight.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Mountain clouded yellow
The best time to find adult mountain clouded yellow is usually on warm, sunny days, especially mid-morning to early afternoon, when they are most active. For larval stages, time is not as critical, but daylight hours could yield better results.
Are Mountain clouded yellow harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Mountain clouded yellow
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Hurt Plant

Larvae of mountain clouded yellow cause a mild to severe depletion of photosynthetic capacity by chewing on leaves, potentially leading to decreased growth and vigor in host plants.

More Effects of Mountain clouded yellow

Beneficial Effects of Mountain clouded yellow
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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
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Mountain clouded yellow is attracted to flowers primarily by their vivid color and shape, often searching for a meal of pollen. During this process, mountain clouded yellow inadvertently transfers pollen from one plant to another, thus fulfilling its role in the ecosystem as a pollinator.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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