Sierra Sulphur

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 tramp... read moreling 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).