Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Labrador Sulphur
Colias nastes (Boisduval, 1832)


Family: Pieridae
Subfamily: Coliadinae
Identification: Upperside of both sexes dirty white or dirty green-yellow; black border contains white or greenish spots. Underside of hindwing has submarginal rows of black spots.
Wing Span: 1 1/4 - 1 3/4 inches (3.1 - 4.5 cm).
Life History: Overwinter as mature caterpillars.
Flight: One flight from late June-early August.
Caterpillar Hosts: Plants of the pea family (Fabaceae) including milk vetch (Astragalus alpinus) and white clover (Trifolium repens).
Adult Food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Arctic and alpine tundra.
Range: Alaska south in Rocky Mountains to north-central Washington and northwest Montana.
Conservation: Not usually required.
NCGR: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
Management Needs: Not reported.
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