Species Insects & ArthropodsPale Arctic Sulphur

Pale Arctic Sulphur

Colias nastes

UncommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Pale Arctic Sulphur (Colias nastes)

The Pale Arctic Sulphur is a greenish-white sulphur of high arctic and alpine tundra, with reduced dark markings adapted to cool, low-light environments. It is one of the most northerly butterflies in North America, found in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Its dull coloring relative to other sulphurs helps it absorb solar radiation efficiently in cold environments.

Habitat
Arctic and alpine tundra, rocky slopes, and fell-fields
Diet
Larvae: milkvetches and alpine legumes. Adults: nectar from tundra flowers
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Pale Arctic Sulphur

The best time to see a Pale Arctic Sulphur is July, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 50 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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