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Santa Barbara Field Guides - Butterflies Lepidoptera Pieridae Colias alexandra Harford's Sulphur |
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. |