Clouded sulphur butterfly or Colias philodice
Clouded sulphur or Colias philodice have three broods in eastern Washington that take flight May through October, with spring and fall forms tending to be smaller and less conspicuously marked.
This butterfly is more likely than other species to be found in farm country or in the city where its host plants are common, including legumes such as alfalfa, clover and peas.
Males are clear yellow with solid black edging on the upper wing surface while females have two forms -- yellow with uneven black edging enclosing yellow spots and a greenish white form. The clouded sulphur and orange sulphur are closely related and may interbreed. Orange sulphur has a white female form which can be difficult to distinguish, but the clouded sulphur never has orange-tinted wings.
Clouded sulphur may be identified by a row of dark spots on the underside and a pearly spot on the hindwing encircled with double rings, usually with a satellite spot.
These photos were taken in August and October.
Clouded Sulphur taking flight - October
Clouded Sulphur Butterfly on moist sand - August
