Clouded Yellow Butterflies

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Scientific name:  Colias croceus

Size:  Wingspan approximately 50mm

Distribution:  Found mainly on the south coast of England and Wales

Months seen:  May to October

Life span:  Up to eight months

Habitat:  Meadows, gardens, and fields

Food:  Nectar.  The caterpillars feed on clover and bird's-foot trefoil

Special features:  Clouded Yellows are migratory butterfly from Europe which are mainly seen in the southern counties.  When winter comes the adults either die or migrate south.

The undersides of the wings are a greenish yellow, while the upper surfaces are a vivid orange-yellow with a broad black border.  It's this dark border or 'cloud' which gives the butterfly its name.  The upper surfaces of the wings feature a black spot in the middle of each forewing and an orange spot in the centre of each hind wing.  Female have several yellow dots in the black border of the wings.  The undersides of the wings have a thin pink line at the outer edges.

Related Pages

• UK Safari Butterfly Section
• UK Safari Caterpillar Section
• Identify other wildlife
• What's Out Now?