Palaeno Sulphur (Colias palaeno)

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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