Orange Sulphur
(Colias eurytheme)

Orange Sulphurs can be found in gardens and open areas from April through November, peaking in abundance in September. They are especially common in alfalfa fields as this and several native legumes serve as food sources for their larvae. Adults utilize a wide variety of clovers, common garden plants and those found in fallow fields as nectar sources. They are also known to take moisture from damp soil. Orange Sulphurs can be found in large aggregations with Clouded Sulphurs in puddling areas.

Orange Sulphurs are not native to Ohio, but have become naturalized after migrating into the state from their western home. Since their arrival they have come into contact with the Clouded Sulphur and there has been some hybridization between the two species, however each has retained its identity. The butterflies shown puddling are most likely a mixed species group.

It is difficult to distinguish the two species in the field as both tend to land with their wings folded. This makes it impossible to see the orange forewing patch that distinguishes the Orange Sulphur. The patch is most evident when the butterflies are flying and can be seen in the above images. Both sexes have black borders to their wings, but females have yellow spots within the border. Both species of sulpher can have white females. This makes field identification impossible.