Palaeno Sulphur (Colias palaeno)

The Palaeno Sulphur (Colias palaeno) is a species of butterfly belonging to the family Pieridae, commonly known as the Arctic or Palaeno Sulphur. Here’s a detailed description:

• Appearance: The Palaeno Sulphur is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan ranging from 35 to 45 millimeters. It has pale yellow to creamy-white wings with a distinctive network of black veins and markings. The underside of the wings is typically lighter in color with a greenish tint and subtle markings. Males and females look similar, although females may have broader black markings and a slightly larger wingspan.
• Habitat: Palaeno Sulphurs are found in arctic and subarctic regions, including tundra, alpine meadows, and open grasslands. They have a preference for areas with abundant flowering plants, especially those with nectar-rich flowers.
• Range: This butterfly species has a circumpolar distribution, found in northern regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. It is adapted to cold climates and can withstand harsh environmental conditions.
• Behavior: Palaeno Sulphurs are diurnal and can often be seen flying close to the ground, darting among the vegetation or perching on low plants. They have a rapid and erratic flight pattern, making them challenging to observe. Adults feed primarily on flower nectar, using their long proboscis to reach deep into the floral tubes.
• Life Cycle: The Palaeno Sulphur undergoes a complete metamorphosis, progressing through egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult stages. The caterpillars feed on the leaves of various plants in the pea family (Fabaceae), while the adults primarily feed on flower nectar.
• Conservation: While the Palaeno Sulphur is not considered globally threatened, it may face localized threats due to habitat loss, climate change, and changes in land use. Conservation efforts aimed at preserving and restoring arctic and alpine habitats, as well as maintaining suitable nectar sources and larval host plants, can benefit not only the Palaeno Sulphur but also other butterfly species and biodiversity in these fragile ecosystems.

The Palaeno Sulphur is admired by enthusiasts and researchers for its beauty, behavior, and ecological importance as a pollinator in cold climates. Understanding its habitat requirements and conservation needs is crucial for ensuring its long-term survival.