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Life Stages Diagram
The bars in this diagram show approximate times of the year when the butterfly will be present, in Nova Scotia, in its various life stages.

The dates shown for the adult stage are based on actual reports for Nova Scotia. The majority of reports will be within the period shown, but small numbers of adults will be earlier or later.

Dates for egg, larva and pupa are based on what information was available regarding time periods for eggs to develop, and typical time required for pupation. Like the adults, some records can be expected outside the date ranges we have shown. We caution that dates for these immature stages are mostly conjectural.

Orange Sulphur - Colias eurytheme
[Orange Sulphur image]
Orange Sulphur - Shenandoah NP, WV - 1997-07-26
Photo © Peter Payzant
What's this?
Status in Nova Scotia
Common.

Flight Period
Mid-July to early November. Possibly two broods.

Habitat
Roadsides; clover fields.

Larval Foodplants
Legumes such as clovers and Alfalfa

Similar Species in Nova Scotia
Superficially similar to the Pink-edged Sulphur and the Clouded Sulphur, but the intense orange colour in most individuals is diagnostic. Females of the greenish-white form are difficult to separate from Clouded Sulphur females of the same colour.

Notes
Also known as the "Alfalfa Butterfly".

Further Reading


Orange Sulphur - Terence Bay River, 2012-08-30
Orange Sulphur - Female underside - Terence Bay River - 2012-08-30
2012-08-30
Photo © Phil Schappert
Orange Sulphur - Moody Lake, nr. Williamswood , 2012-09-01
Orange Sulphur - Moody Lake, nr. Williamswood - 2012-09-01
2012-09-01
Photo © Phil Schappert
Orange Sulphur - Barachois pond nr. Prospect, NS, 2012-08-30
Orange Sulphur - female - Barachois pond nr. Prospect, NS - 2012-08-30
2012-08-30
Photo © Phil Schappert
Orange Sulphur - Apple River, NS, 2011-09-05
Orange Sulphur - Apple River, NS - 2011-09-05
2011-09-05
Photo © Kathleen F. Spicer
Orange Sulphur - Apple River, NS, 2013-08-24
Orange Sulphur - Apple River, NS - 2013-08-24
2013-08-24
Photo © Kathleen F. Spicer