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Giant Sulphur

(Colias gigantea)

 

 

Giant Sulphur (Colias gigantea Strecker)

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

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.

Caterpillar hosts: Dwarf willow (Salix reticulata).

Adult food: Flower nectar.

Habitat: Willow bogs.

Range: Alaska south along Rocky Mountains to Wyoming.

 

Giant Sulphur (Colias gigantea)