Colias scudderii

Reakirt, 1865

Scudder's Sulphur, willow sulphur

Colias scudderii, commonly known as Scudder's Sulphur or the willow sulphur, is a in the Pieridae. It inhabits mountain meadows and willow bogs across a broad elevational range from Alaska through the Rocky Mountains to northern New Mexico. The has a wingspan of 38–51 mm and is active during summer months. Larvae feed exclusively on willow species (Salix), with later instars .

Colias scudderii by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Colias scudderii by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Colias scudderii by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Colias scudderii: //ˈkoʊliæs skʌˈdɛraɪ.iː//

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Identification

Distinguished from other North American Colias by its restricted high-elevation in willow bogs and mountain meadows, combined with its geographic distribution from Alaska through the Rocky Mountains. The specific association with Salix plants helps separate it from sympatric sulphurs with different larval requirements.

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Habitat

Mountain meadows and willow bogs. Occupies high-elevation environments throughout its range.

Distribution

From Alaska south through the Rocky Mountains to northern New Mexico. Documented from Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Wyoming.

Seasonality

active from June to August.

Diet

feed on flower nectar. Larvae feed on leaves of Salix , specifically Salix reticulata, Salix lutea, and Salix planifolia.

Host Associations

  • Salix reticulata - larval
  • Salix lutea - larval
  • Salix planifolia - larval

Life Cycle

laid on willow leaves. Larvae develop through multiple instars; second, third, and fourth instars hibernate. and occur in early summer.

Ecological Role

nectar-feeding contributes to pollination of montane flowering plants. Larval herbivory on willows represents a specialized trophic interaction in subalpine and alpine wetland .

Human Relevance

Subject of entomological study due to its restricted and specialized . No significant agricultural or economic impact documented.

Similar Taxa

  • Colias behriiBoth are montane North American sulphurs with restricted ranges; C. behrii occurs in the Sierra Nevada and has different plant associations.
  • Colias eurythemeWidespread lowland sulphur that overlaps in range but occupies different (alfalfa fields, agricultural areas) and has broader larval range.

More Details

Subspecies

Two recognized: Colias scudderii scudderii (Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Wyoming) and Colias scudderii ruckesi Klots, 1937 (New Mexico).

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Sources and further reading