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Species Detail

Giant Sulphur

Colias gigantea Strecker, 1900

Attributes of Colias gigantea


Family: Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)

Subfamily: Sulphurs (Coliadinae)

Identification: Upper surface of male yellow with narrow black borders; lower surface without submarginal black spots. Female with 2 forms, yellow or white; both may have black border reduced or lacking.

Life history: Third-stage caterpillars overwinter.

Flight: One flight from June-July.

Wing span: 2 - 2 3/4 inches (5.1 - 7 cm).

Caterpillar hosts: Dwarf willow (Salix reticulata).

Adult food: Flower nectar.

Habitat: Willow bogs.

Range: Alaska south along Rocky Mountains to Wyoming.

Conservation: Not usually required.

NatureServe Global Status: G4 - Apparently secure globally, though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.

Management needs: Not reported.

Documented Records for Colias gigantea



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