Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

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Santa Barbara Field Guides - Butterflies
Lepidoptera
   Pieridae

     Colias alexandra
     Harford's Sulphur


upperside
underside

Size: wingspread 1.5-2 in.
Recognition: Bright yellow (not orange like C. eurytheme) with outer black border along wing edges.
Flight period: Adults are active from March to May and June to August (two broods).
Hostplants: The larva feeds on wild legumes (Fabaceae), including milk vetches, golden banner, and a variety of lupines.
Habitat: Found in open areas, meadows, low fields, canyons, and coastal ridges.
Distribution: Colias alexandra is found throughout the western U.S., primarily in inland areas. Harford's Sulphur is generally considered a southern California subspecies of this widespread species.

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