Sierra Sulphur (Colias behrii W. H. Edwards)
Wing span: 1 3/8 - 1 5/8 inches (3.5 - 4.2 cm).
Identification: Upper surface of male dull green with dark border; pale hindwing cell spot. Female greenish-yellow with dark diffuse border. Underside of both sexes green.
Life history: Males patrol low to the ground for females.
Flight: One flight from July-August.
Caterpillar hosts: Low blueberries (Vaccinium species) in the heath family (Ericaceae) and gentian (Gentiana newberryi).
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Subalpine and alpine meadows, usually above 9000 feet.
Range: Isolated range in California's Sierra Nevada from Tuolumne County south to Tulare County.
Conservation: Prevent damage to meadow habitats by trampling or grazing.
Management needs: Restrict access to major colonies in Tuolumne and Tioga meadows, Yosemite National Park.
The Nature Conservancy Global Rank: G3 - Very rare or local throughout its range or found locally in a restricted range (21 to 100 occurrences). (Threatened throughout its range).
