Arctic Sulphur vs Franklin's Bumble Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Arctic Sulphur | Franklin's Bumble Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Colias nastes | Bombus franklini |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Pieridae | Apidae |
| Size | 36-46 mm wingspan | 14-18 mm |
| Habitat | Tundra & Arctic | Mountains |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Arctic Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Rocky Mountain alpine zones | Western United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Critically Endangered |
Arctic Sulphur
A pale greenish-white butterfly with dusky wing margins and small dark discal spots. Its subdued coloration helps it absorb warmth while basking with wings spread. It rarely strays far from its alpine or arctic habitat.
Did You Know?
On overcast days, this butterfly can raise its body temperature 10 degrees above air temperature by basking laterally to maximize solar absorption.
Franklin's Bumble Bee
The world's most range-restricted bumble bee, found only in a small area between southern Oregon and northern California. It has not been reliably seen since 2006 and may be extinct.
Did You Know?
Its entire known range spans only about 190 miles north to south, making it the most geographically restricted bumble bee on Earth.