Clouded Sulphur
(Colias philodice philodice)

The Clouded Sulphur is one of the most common butterflies in Ohio. It flies in open areas from April through November. Eggs from this species have been found on both red and white clover. Adults visit clovers and a variety of weedy and garden plants for nectar. It can also takes moisture from damp soil and large numbers can be found puddling.

Clouded Sulphers hybridize with Orange Sulphurs and they can be difficult to distinguish in the field. The pure yellow color of the female shown above make it possible to distinguish clouded sulphers. Orange Sulphurs may be yellow but they will have variable amounts of orange on the upper forewing surface. This is most easily seen when the butterfly is in flight. The color intensity of clouded sulphers can vary through the season as can the thickness of the black border. In females the black border of the forewing has light spots. The yellow-green female is most likely a clouded sulpher. Late in the summer many of the females are white and it is not possible to distinguish them in the field from the white form of the Orange Sulphur.