Queen Alexandra’s Sulphur
Colias alexandra W. H. Edwards, 1863
Family: Pieridae
Status: Uncommon local resident
NENHP Rank: S3 Tier 2
Range: The western half of sub-arctic Canada south through the mountain and intermounatin west of the United States to central California, Arizona and New Mexico. In Nebraska it is found in the western panhandle counties.
Larval Hostplant(s): Herbaceous legumes including Astragalus, Lathyrus, Lotus, Lupinus, Medicago, Oxytropis, Thermopsis, Trifolium, and Vicia species. Golden Pea (Thermopsis rhombifolia) is thought to be the primary hostplant in Nebraska.
Broods/Flight Times: Double brooded in Nebraska with records from 24 May – 18 August.
Overwintering: As a larva.
Habitat: C. alexandra inhabits open coniferous woodlands and creekbottoms in Pine Ridge habitats in western Nebraska.
Avg. Wingspan: 1 5/8 – 2 1/4 inches
Found at: Gilbert-Baker SWMA, Sowbelly Canyon, Panorama Point (Kimball Co.)
Similar Species: Clouded Sulphur
Notes:
Queen Alexandra’s Sulphur, Matthew Brust
