Clouded yellow
Colias croceus
Insecta Colias croceus, commonly known as the Clouded Yellow, is a vibrant and widely recognized butterfly belonging to the Pieridae family. It is a prevalent species found across Europe, including the Comunidad Valenciana, where it is often admired for its striking colors and swift flight.
- Appearance: The Clouded Yellow butterfly boasts a stunning golden-yellow hue on its upper wings. The forewings feature distinct black borders, adding to its visibility and charm. Its underwings are pale yellow with subtle markings, providing excellent camouflage when at rest.
- Habitat: This species is adaptable and can thrive in various environments, from meadows and grasslands to gardens and fields across the Comunidad Valenciana. They are often spotted fluttering near their preferred nectar sources.
- Behavior: Colias croceus is known for its lively and rapid flight. These butterflies are migratory, often seen traveling in groups, and are most active from spring through late autumn.
- Diet: The Clouded Yellow primarily feeds on nectar from a range of flowering plants, favoring those from the aster and pea families found in their habitat.
- Reproduction: Females lay their eggs on host plants, typically legumes. The resulting caterpillars are green and well-camouflaged, feeding on the leaves until they are ready to pupate.
In the Comunidad Valenciana, the Clouded Yellow is not just a symbol of beauty but also a significant part of the local ecological system, contributing to pollination and biodiversity.