Colias christina

Edwards, 1863

Christina Sulphur

Colias christina is a Pierid to western North America, ranging from the Yukon and Northwest Territories south through the Canadian prairie provinces to the northern Rocky Mountain states of the United States. The was named in 1863 by William Henry Edwards in honor of its first collector, Christina Ross. display in wing coloration and are active from May through September.

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Colias christina: //ˈkoʊ.li.əs krɪˈstiː.nə//

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Identification

Distinguished from other Colias by the combination of yellow basal wing coloration in males, nearly white females with minimal dark markings, and the absence of underside markings beyond the spot. The orange-red ground color of males is less extensive than in the closely related orange sulphur (Colias eurytheme).

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Appearance

Wingspan ranges from 35 to 52 mm. The male has a slight orange-red ground color with a conspicuous yellow basal portion on both wings. The underside lacks markings except for the spot. The female is almost white, with forewings showing only limited dark dusting at the margin and a black, white-centered median spot.

Habitat

Montane forest roads, trails, glades, and clearings. Occurs in open within forested landscapes at higher elevations.

Distribution

Western North America: Yukon and Northwest Territories south through British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan to Wyoming, Montana, and Utah. C. c. christina occurs in Montana, Washington, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Northwest Territories; C. c. astraea occurs in Montana, Wyoming, and Utah.

Seasonality

period extends from May until September.

Diet

Larvae feed on Trifolium (clover) and Hedysarum .

Ecological Role

Larval herbivory on leguminous plants; nectar feeding. Specific functions beyond herbivory and pollination are not documented.

Human Relevance

Named in honor of collector Christina Ross, representing early contributions by women to North American lepidopterology. Not a significant agricultural pest.

Similar Taxa

  • Colias eurythemeOverlaps in range and ; distinguished by more extensive orange coloration in males and different larval preferences including alfalfa
  • Colias philodiceSympatric in parts of range; males lack the yellow basal wing coloration and orange-red ground color of C. christina

More Details

Etymology

The specific epithet christina honors Christina Ross, who collected the .

Subspecies

Two recognized: C. c. christina (nominate) and C. c. astraea Edwards, 1872.

Conservation note

destruction has been documented at The Pas, Manitoba, indicating localized vulnerability to land use change.

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Sources and further reading