Yellow butterflies belong to several different families and species. Some of the most common types of yellow butterflies include sulfur butterflies, clouded yellow butterflies, and brimstone butterflies.
Sulfur Butterflies
Sulfur butterflies are medium-sized butterflies that are mostly bright yellow or orange in color. There are around 250 known species of sulfur butterflies that are found all over the world. Some of the most common sulfur butterflies in North America include the cloudless sulfur, the sleepy orange, and the little yellow.
Here are some key facts about sulfur butterflies:
- They belong to the family Pieridae, which includes all white and yellow butterflies.
- Some species have an orange coloration with black wing margins.
- They have a wingspan ranging from 1.5 – 3 inches (4 – 7.5 cm).
- These butterflies prefer open fields, meadows, parks, and gardens.
- They feed on the nectar from flowers such as asters, daisies, and milkweed.
- Sulfur butterflies go through complete metamorphosis with four life stages – egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
- The larvae feed on plants from the pea family.
- Some species migrate long distances while others are resident.
Here are some of the most common sulfur butterfly species:
| Species | Range | Wingspan |
|---|---|---|
| Cloudless sulfur | Southern Canada to South America | 2.4 – 2.8 in (6 – 7 cm) |
| Sleepy orange | Eastern North America | 1.6 – 2.2 in (4 – 5.5 cm) |
| Dainty sulfur | Southern Canada to Mexico | 1.4 – 1.7 in (3.5 – 4.5 cm) |
Clouded Yellow Butterflies
Clouded yellow butterflies are a genus of butterflies belonging to the Pieridae family. There are over 30 recognized species worldwide, many of which have yellow and orange wings with black borders and sometimes white spots.
Here are some key facts about clouded yellow butterflies:
- They are named for their mottled yellow coloring that can look clouded.
- These butterflies are found in Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
- They thrive in warm, open habitats like meadows and hillsides.
- Adults feed on the nectar from flowers such as thistles, knapweeds, and clovers.
- The larvae feed on plants like legumes, clovers, and vetch.
- They overwinter as larvae.
- Some species migrate long distances while others are more residential.
- These butterflies have a wingspan of 1.6 – 2.4 inches (4 – 6 cm).
Here are some common clouded yellow species:
| Species | Range | Wingspan |
|---|---|---|
| Common clouded yellow | Europe, Asia, North Africa | 1.8 – 2.2 in (4.5 – 5.5 cm) |
| Pale clouded yellow | Central & Southern Europe | 1.6 – 2 in (4 – 5 cm) |
| Hill clouded yellow | Southern Europe, North Africa | 1.8 – 2.4 in (4.5 – 6 cm) |
Brimstone Butterflies
Brimstone butterflies are a genus (Gonepteryx) of yellow-colored butterflies that belong to the Pieridae family. They are named for their vibrant yellow wings edged in greenish-white. There are 7 species worldwide found throughout temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
Here are some key facts about brimstone butterflies:
- Their bright yellow coloration provides camouflage when the wings are closed.
- Brimstone butterflies thrive in open woodland areas, fields, and gardens.
- The larvae feed on plants like buckthorn and alder.
- Adults sip nectar from flowers such as dandelions, asters, and violets.
- They overwinter as adults in sheltered spots like woodlands.
- These butterflies have a wingspan between 1.8 – 2.4 inches (4.5 – 6 cm).
- Some species migrate while others do not.
- The common brimstone is the only species found in the British Isles.
Here are some common brimstone species:
| Species | Range | Wingspan |
|---|---|---|
| Common brimstone | Europe, North Africa, Asia | 2 – 2.4 in (5 – 6 cm) |
| Scarce brimstone | Iberian Peninsula, Northwest Africa | 2 – 2.2 in (5 – 5.5 cm) |
| Canary brimstone | Canary Islands | 2.2 – 2.4 in (5.5 – 6 cm) |
Conclusion
In summary, yellow butterflies mainly belong to the Pieridae family and consist of the sulfur butterflies, clouded yellows, and brimstones. While they have different species names and distributions, they all share a bright yellow or yellow-orange coloration. These butterflies thrive in open, sunny habitats where they can find nectar sources and larval host plants. Their vibrant wings provide camouflage when closed but serve as a warning signal to predators when open. With hundreds of yellow butterfly species around the world, these insects add a special dash of color to backyards, fields, and gardens wherever they are found.
Here are some key takeaways about yellow butterflies:
- They belong primarily to the Pieridae butterfly family.
- The three main groups are sulfur butterflies, clouded yellows, and brimstones.
- Each group has many different species found worldwide.
- Yellow wings provide camouflage and warning coloration.
- They inhabit open, sunny environments with flowers and host plants.
- Wingspans range from 1.5 – 3 inches (4 – 7.5 cm).
- Many species migrate long distances.
- There are hundreds of yellow butterfly species contributing color and interest to outdoor environments.
So in summary, the major types of yellow butterflies come from the sulfur, clouded yellow, and brimstone groups within the Pieridae family of mostly white and yellow butterflies. Their bright wings light up any landscape where they are found!
