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Sierra Sulphur (Colias behrii W. H. Edwards)
Wing span: 1 3/8 - 1 5/8 inches (3.5 - 4.2 cm).
Identification: Upper surface of male dull green with dark border; pale hindwing cell spot. Female greenish-yellow with dark diffuse border. Underside of both sexes green.
Life history: Males patrol low to the ground for females.
Flight: One flight from July-August.
Caterpillar hosts: Low blueberries (Vaccinium species) in the heath family (Ericaceae) and gentian (Gentiana newberryi).
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Subalpine and alpine meadows, usually above 9000 feet.
Range: Isolated range in California's Sierra Nevada from Tuolumne County south to Tulare County.
Conservation: Prevent damage to meadow habitats by trampling or grazing.
Management needs: Restrict access to major colonies in Tuolumne and Tioga meadows, Yosemite National Park.
The Nature Conservancy Global Rank: G3 - Very rare or local throughout its range or found locally in a restricted range (21 to 100 occurrences). (Threatened throughout its range).
References:
Scott, J. A. 1986. The butterflies of North America. Stanford University
Press, Stanford, Calif. 583 pages, 64 color plates.
Tilden, J. W. 1986. A field guide to western butterflies. Houghton-Mifflin
Co., Boston, Mass. 370 pages, 23 color plates.
Author: Jane M. Struttmann
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 1999 -
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