Clouded or Pink-edged Sulfur? - Colias eurytheme

Moved

Moved from Butterflies (excluding skippers).

… David J. Ferguson, 29 September, 2009 - 10:28pm

Moved

… john and jane balaban, 6 September, 2009 - 9:53am

I think it's actually Colias eurytheme

The pink edge is not very usefull for identification in Colias, since most of the species can actually have it (especially when fresh). The dark dots, and the double ringed spot (with a satellite) on the hind wing are better clues, and would point to either C. eurytheme or C. philodice. The shape of the wings, rather "smooth" look to the pattern, and the wide dark band showing through on the front wings are reasons I think it looks more like an Orange Sulphur. It is a female.

… David J. Ferguson, 13 August, 2009 - 6:19pm

Pink Reflections

Notice there is a pink cast over the entire butterfly, not just the fringe. It's reflecting the purple flowers, above. I'm leaning toward the Orange Sulfur because of the bright yellow FW patch as you stated.

ID gets more complicated because the Clouded often mates with Orange. Our great-Grandchildren will probably ID this butterfly as a Clouded Orange.

Now, stirred up the pot this Friday afternoon, I've got bugs to hunt. Everybody have a great weekend.

… Robert Lord Zimlich, 14 August, 2009 - 4:11pm

Your argument makes sense, Da

Your argument makes sense, David, and I can easily see what you're pointing out. I am not yet very adept with some of these IDs, and after checking the field guides it now seems clearer. OK. Getting better with each challenge.

Thanks so much.

… Richard Wolfert, 13 August, 2009 - 6:58pm