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Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme)

The precious Orange Sulphur is the prima ballerina of the butterfly world. With wings of pale yellow-orange peppered with sparse spots of blue-brown and outlined in a light pink border, this butterfly appears to gracefully dance on the breeze. Gentle, strong, and agile, the Orange Sulphur commands your attention in nature’s theatre. The female often has small white or silver spots on the underside of her wings. Also known as the Alfalfa butterfly, this creature loves flying through fields and pastures. You will ask for an encore once you’ve had an audience with this magical butterfly.

Family: Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)

Subfamily: Sulphur (Coliadinae)

Average Wingspan: 1 1/2" - 2 1/2"

Habitat: Open woodlands, prairies, open areas,

Similar To: Clouded Sulphur

Plants That Attract This Butterfly

• Nectar Plants (What is this?)
  Aster, Common Milkweed, Goldenrod*
  
• Host Plants (What is this?)
  Cow Vetch*, Crown Vetch*, Milk Vetch*, White Clover*

* May not be available for purchase at your local nursery.

Note: Always check a plant's Hardiness Zone to make sure it will grow in your area. (What Is My Hardiness Zone?)

Where To Buy Plants

Butterfly Flight Range Map

Photo Credits:
Closed wing - Fred Miller