Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Pelidne Sulphur
Colias pelidne Boisduval & Leconte, [1830]


Family: Pieridae
Subfamily: Coliadinae
Identification: Upperside of male pale yellow with wide black border and small black cell spot. Female white (most common) or yellow; dark border may be incomplete. Underside of hindwing of both sexes with dense black scales.
Wing Span: 1 1/4 - 1 3/4 inches (3.2 - 4.4 cm).
Life History: Males patrol near blueberry and willows for females.
Flight: One flight from late June-July.
Caterpillar Hosts: Blueberry (Vaccinium species) and wintergreen (Gaultheria humifusa) in the heath family (Ericaceae).
Adult Food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Arctic tundra, subarctic forest openings and meadows.
Range: Northern Rocky Mountains from Alberta south to Wyoming.
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.
Comments: NULL