Clouded Yellow Butterfly

Colias croceus

Photos have been downgraded in size and quality for Internet bandwidth; copyright e-barrett

For identification of butterflies, both the top and side views are shown.
Clouded Yellow Butterfly Clouded Yellow Butterfly

The male Clouded Yellow butterfly (above left and below left) is often brighter yellow than the female (above right and below right); both have a greeny-yellow tinge on the hind underside.

They may have one white spot on the hindwing (above) or a main spot with one or more adjacent minor spots (below). There is also a red-pink spot and narrow red border.

The female Pale Clouded Yellow butterfly (Colias hyale) looks similar to the paler form of the female Clouded Yellow above (no black border on topside of hindwing).
Clouded Yellow Butterfly side Clouded Yellow Butterfly side Clouded Yellow Butterfly

Side, male

Side, female

Side, female
Clouded Yellow Butterfly top Clouded Yellow Butterflies Clouded Yellow Butterflies

The Clouded Yellow never rests with wings open, but when the topside is visible, there is a thick black border which has yellow spots on the female (above right) and is continuous on the male
Clouded Yellow Butterflies Clouded Yellow Butterflies Clouded Yellow Butterfly Clouded Yellow