Palaeno Sulphur (Colias palaeno) Overview
The Palaeno Sulphur (Colias palaeno), also known as the Moorland Clouded Yellow, is a striking butterfly found in northern Europe and parts of Asia. It is well adapted to cold climates and is often seen in boggy, acidic habitats.
General Information:
- Scientific Name: Colias palaeno
- Common Names: Palaeno Sulphur, Moorland Clouded Yellow
- Family: Pieridae (Whites and Sulphurs)
- Wingspan: 46–56 mm (1.8–2.2 inches)
- Lifespan: Adults live for a few weeks; the full lifecycle (egg to adult) takes about a year
Appearance:
- Males: Bright lemon-yellow wings with a black border
- Females: Paler yellow or even white, with a similar dark border
- Underside: Greenish-yellow with a faint white-centered spot on the hindwings
- Body: Covered in fine hairs, adapted for cooler environments
Distribution & Habitat:
- Found in northern and central Europe, extending to Siberia, Japan, and the Altai region
- Prefers peat bogs, heathlands, and boreal forests
- Strongly associated with bog bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum), its main larval food plant
Life Cycle & Behavior:
- Flight Period: June–August, depending on location
- Generations: One generation per year (univoltine)
- Eggs: Laid on the underside of bog bilberry leaves
- Caterpillars: Green with a white lateral stripe, well-camouflaged
- Pupation: Forms a chrysalis attached to plant stems
- Overwintering Stage: Overwinters as a half-grown caterpillar
Diet & Pollination Role:
- Larvae: Feed exclusively on bog bilberry leaves
- Adults: Feed on nectar from various flowers, including heathers and thistles
- Important pollinators in northern ecosystems
Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Not globally threatened, but declining in parts of Europe
- Threats:
- Habitat loss due to drainage of peat bogs
- Climate change affecting cold-adapted species
- Deforestation and land-use changes
Interesting Facts:
- Unlike many butterflies, it is well adapted to cold climates
- The black wing border in males is a key feature distinguishing it from similar species
- A strong flier, despite its preference for wet, boggy habitats
Would you like more details on conservation efforts or how to spot them in the wild? 😊
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