Sulphurs and Yellows

Coliadinae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Coliadinae: /kɔlɪˈædɪniː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

White Angled-Sulphur (Anteos clorinde) by Anne Toal. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Cramer&Stoll-uitlandsche kapellen vol. 2- plate 129 by Pieter Cramer (1721 - 1776) and Caspar Stoll (between 1725 and 1730 - 1791). Used under a Public domain license.
Anteos clorinde-01 (xndr) by Svdmolen. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.
Anteos clorinde 10470876 by jmmaes. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Aphrissa statira by Geoff Gallice. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Abaeis nicippe by Mike Boone. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.5 license.

Summary

Coliadinae, commonly known as sulphurs or yellows, is a subfamily of butterflies characterized by their bright colors and UV reflections in males, comprising approximately 300 described species, with significant representation in North America.

Physical Characteristics

Males of most species exhibit brilliant UV reflections that females lack; generally, they have bright yellow or orange wings.

Identification Tips

Easily distinguished by the coloration of male and female specimens; males tend to have brighter colors and UV reflections.

Habitat

Range from varied habitats including meadows, fields, and wooded areas, typically found in temperate regions.

Distribution

Approximately 300 described species globally, with 36 species identified in North America, ranging from Mexico to northern Canada.

Diet

Primarily nectar-feeders, consuming nectar from flowers as adults; larvae typically feed on host plants that are specific to each species.

Life Cycle

Undergoes complete metamorphosis, with life stages including egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult.

Reproduction

Mating occurs after eclosion; females lay eggs on the appropriate host plants, and after a larval stage, the cycle continues.

Predators

Nectar-feeding birds, predatory insects, and other animals that may feed on caterpillars or adult butterflies.

Ecosystem Role

Pollinators in their ecosystems, playing a vital role in plant reproduction.

Collecting Methods

  • Netting during flight
  • Baiting with rotting fruit

Preservation Methods

  • Pinning
  • Spreading
  • Freezing for molecular studies

Evolution

Coliadinae are thought to have evolved early within the Papilionoidea superfamily, showcasing a diverse lineage.

Similar Taxa

Tags

  • butterflies
  • Coliadinae
  • sulphurs
  • yellows
  • pollinators