Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Sierra Sulphur
Colias behrii W.H. Edwards, 1866


Family: Pieridae
Subfamily: Coliadinae
Identification: Upper surface of male dull green with dark border; pale hindwing cell spot. Female greenish-yellow with dark diffuse border. Underside of both sexes green.
Wing Span: 1 3/8 - 1 5/8 inches (3.5 - 4.2 cm).
Life History: Males patrol low to the ground for females.
Flight: One flight from July-August.
Caterpillar Hosts: Low blueberries (Vaccinium species) in the heath family (Ericaceae) and gentian (Gentiana newberryi).
Adult Food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Subalpine and alpine meadows, usually above 9000 feet.
Range: Isolated range in California\'s Sierra Nevada from Tuolumne County south to Tulare County.
Conservation: Prevent damage to meadow habitats by trampling or grazing.
NCGR: G3 - Very rare or local throughout its range or found locally in a restricted range (21 to 100 occurrences). (Threatened throughout its range).
Management Needs: Restrict access to major colonies in Tuolumne and Tioga meadows, Yosemite National Park.
Comments: NULL
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