Arctic Clouded Yellow vs Goldenrod Soldier Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Arctic Clouded Yellow Goldenrod Soldier Beetle
Scientific Name Colias tyche Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Pieridae Cantharidae
Size 40-50 mm wingspan 9-12 mm
Habitat Tundra & Arctic Grasslands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Arctic Russia, Siberia, northern Alaska, Yukon Eastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Arctic Clouded Yellow

A medium-sized butterfly with pale greenish-yellow wings and prominent dark borders. The underside has a silvery-white discal spot. It has a powerful, direct flight over open tundra landscapes.

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Did You Know?

This butterfly is so well adapted to the Arctic that it can fly in wind speeds that would ground most temperate butterflies.

Goldenrod Soldier Beetle

A familiar autumn beetle of eastern North America, commonly seen in large numbers on goldenrod flowers. Its yellow-and-black pattern mimics that of wasps.

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Did You Know?

It produces defensive compounds called dihydromatricaria acids that deter ants and other predators.