Critters of the Week

Where Spotted: Reedy Creek
Common Name: Clouded Sulphur
Scientific Name: Colias philodice
Wingspan: 1 3/8-2″

Quick Facts Courtesy of Mass Audubon

• A century ago, the Clouded Sulphur was, in the words of Samuel Scudder “everywhere the commonest species to be found…” Today, it remains one of the most abundant species.
• Males of this and other sulphur species congregate at puddles and other moist ground possibly to take nutrients from the wet soil. These so called “mud puddle clubs” or “puddling” groups may reach impressive proportions.
• From mid spring to fall, Clouded Sulphurs are the prototypical meadow butterfly, cruising low over the grasstops with a vigorous, searching flight. During courtship, females respond to the male‘s pheromone, which is released when the male buffets her with his wings, causing the female “to extend the abdomen out from the hindwings such that the male can join.”
• Atlas volunteers found this species taking nectar from 43 different species of plants.
• Can be found continent-wide, from arctic Alaska to Newfoundland, southward to southern Mexico and Guatemala. Absent from southern California coastal regions and lower Florida; scarce along Gulf Coast.

If you’re a fan of original content like those photos above be sure to give our Instagram and Dickie’s Backyard Bird Blind Bonanza on FB a follow and consider making a donation.

[wpedon id=”165378″]

Pocket at Richmond SPCA

Are you searching for a fun, friendly and adorable family member? My name is Pocket and I’m the girl for you! I am pretty lonely here by myself, just waiting for my special someone to come along. Won’t you please take me home today?

Age: 2 years, 1 month
Gender: Spayed Female
Color: White / Tan
Size: L (dog size guide)
ID: 48724902

 

Adopt Pocket at Richmond SPCA

Learn more about their adoption process.