Scientific name

The genus Colias includes several species of butterfly, and each has its own scientific name. Some of the better known species include Colias eurytheme and Colias philodice.

Family

The butterflies of the genus Colias belong to the family Pieridae, which is a family of white and yellow butterflies known as “cabbage butterflies”.

Location

Colias butterflies are found in various parts of the world, but are most common in temperate and mountainous regions of Europe, Asia and North America.

Behaviour

Colias butterflies are known for their bright colours and erratic flight patterns. They usually fly close to the ground and are fast and agile in the air. They are active during the day and feed on flower nectar.

Feeding Habits

As mentioned above, Colias butterflies feed on flower nectar, making them important pollinators for many plants. Their larvae, or caterpillars, feed on a variety of plant species, mainly from the Fabaceae family, such as alfalfa and clover.

Reproduction

Reproduction of Colias butterflies involves laying eggs on host plants where the larvae will feed. The caterpillars go through several stages of development before becoming chrysalises and finally adult butterflies. The life cycle of Colias butterflies is typical of many diurnal butterflies.

It should be noted that different species of Colias may have some variations in their feeding habits and preferences. These butterflies are prized for their beauty and their importance in plant pollination.