Cool Colias

The Orange Sulphur, Colias eurytheme is a bright orange butterfly that is one of the most common butterflies in the United States, southern Canada and north Mexico. The common name is Alfalfa Butterfly. As a caterpillar it likes to munch on alfalfa, and clover, and other legumes. This species looks similar to other species and often hybridizes. However Colias eurytheme has a slightly different UV reflectance pattern on the wings and produces unique pheromones to attract mates.

Most specimens (but not all) have three images per moth, dorsal and ventral, and label data. Occasionally there are 2 label data images. The reason for this is because there sometimes is critical information on the back of labels. So be sure to check all images! While checking both images, look at the amazing shapes and minute coloration of the moth. Thank you so much for your help!

Transcription generally follows standard Notes from Nature protocols. Please be sure to write all pertinent information to the corresponding field. Please type all label data exactly as written on the label. The one field that is unique to McGuire is sampling protocol (collection method). This is how the person collected the specimen. It could be net, but often with moths it is some type of trap or light. Please write verbatim what is on the label.

— Laurel Kaminsky,

Digitization Manager, McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity