the presence of the Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme).
This gaily colored butterfly appears as a fast moving
orange-ish spot against the green of any open field or
roadside.
This is a butterfly of big-sky, sunny days, and open spaces.
Farmlands, large spaces of alfalfa and clover along with any
associated peripheral roadsides is where you will find this
brilliant fellow.
Both sexes offer a beauty and variation unique to each which
really makes this species well worth looking into whenever
possible. Additionally, an "albino" form of the female is also
present but, not quite in the same numbers as typical females.
C. eurytheme males are surprisingly energetic and not all that
easy to capture; short of when they briefly light to re-fuel their
spent energy. The species has at least 2 and probably 3 broods
present throughout a summer here. Some years though, their
numbers seem much reduced likely to some ecological or weather
related impact.
When I do get into a field this is one butterfly I still keep a watchful
eye open for. Its simple beauty, variability, and feistiness of capture
forever draws me to its wonderful fresh-air haunts !
This small group was recently removed from the boards.
I managed capturing these during a half-hour spent in a
partially mowed field. The 2nd brood was just beginning
to show itself so although they were few in number -- they
were fresh. All captured on Aug.22.2022
Males are differing in their "orange" appearance. Some, such as
the male on the (left) are yellow/orange; whilst others like the
one on the (right) are boldly orange. Wing margins vary as well
in "thickness".
Typical females offer a wide palette of variation. Color tones,
boldness or definition of spots, melanism, and size variances are
all hallmarks of the almost equally beautiful females.
A certain delight wherever found. A simple pleasure to a "field man"
when blue skies, fresh country air, and the sounds of birds and distant
trains evoke serenity of a kind....
