Orange sulphur
Colias eurytheme
32.8885, -97.2602
Field Notes
Description:
This butterfly gets its name 'orange sulphur' from the orange spot on the hindwings. The orange sulphur's caterpillars feed off various species in the pea family (Fabaceae) and are usually only found feeding at night. These caterpillars eat alot, so some people call these insects pests. But really they are just trying to live their own life in peace without humans killing them. This butterfly was flying, feeding off of various wildflowers, in a field. The first image is when it took off from my hand (In flight) just took off. The second picture, it was resting on my hand.
Habitat:
In a field, with native flowers, Fort Worth, Texas.
Notes:
These butterflies also exhibit a polyandrous mating system. Upon mating, male C. eurytheme donate a nutritious spermatophore to the female, which will erode over time as nutrients are extracted for egg production and somatic maintenance. Females have a refractory period during which time they do not mate, but after they have depleted their spermatophore, they will search for another one and thus look for a new mate. In this mating system, females re-mate once every 4 to 6 days in summer, and mate a lifetime total of up to four times
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