For Anyone Interested in the Wildlife of the U.K.
Clouded Yellow Butterflies
Identify It > Butterfly Section > Clouded Yellow Butterflies >
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 is 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. The border of the wings of the females has a row of pale yellow spots running round them.
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