Lefèbvre, 1836
Northern Clouded Yellow
Description:
The Northern Clouded Yellow occurs in the mountains of Lapland above the birch zone, on open, grassy meadows, and stony slopes. The butterflies fly very quickly and are difficult to approach.
Eggs are laid singly or in small groups on the larval food plants, or on neighbouring plants. Alpine Milk-vetch (Astragalus alpinus) is the most important food plant, but other milk-vetches (Astragalus spp.) may also be used. The caterpillars feed on the flowers, leaves and stems, sometimes taking two years to complete their life-cycle. Hibernation can take place as a caterpillar or a chrysalis.
Habitat:
Alpine grasslands
Coastal sand-dunes
Heath and shrub
Mesophile grasslands
Humid grasslands
Similar species:
Colias myrmidone
Colias aurorina
Colias caucasica