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This is a fast flying butterfly identified by its medium size and mustard yellow colouring. They rarely show the upperwings when resting, which a have a dark, almost black border, widest at the tip and a dark spot on each forewing. The under wing is yellow with a green tinge and a fine pink trim. There are ringed white spots (one large one small) on the central area of the hindwing. They migrate northwards and may breed, but will not complete their lifecycle in colder climates.
There is a pale form in the females which is a greenish white with a yellow flush at the underwing tip.
The caterpillars of this species grow up to 3cm long, they are green, hairless, with a white to yellow horizontal line above the legs.
Family: Pieridae
Scientific name: Colias crocea
English common name: Clouded Yellow
Spanish common name: Colias común
Portuguese common name: Borboleta maravilha
Wing size: 46-54mm
Altitude: Sea level to 1600m
Flight time: March-October in two broods
Over-wintering: Caterpillar
Caterpillar food plant: Medicago, Clover
Distribution: Southern and Central Europe to East Asia, North Africa Similar species: Mountain Clouded Yellow (Colias phicomone), Berger's Clouded Yellow (Colias alfacariensis)
Butterflies of Iberia
These are included in the list of butterflies in Andalusia.
Images taken in Andalucia, Southern Spain.
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Last Updated on Monday, 11 February 2008 19:31 |
Insects and Creepy Crawlies 
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