Common Mormon vs Arctic Clouded Yellow
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Common Mormon | Arctic Clouded Yellow |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Papilio polytes | Colias tyche |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae | Pieridae |
| Size | 90-100 mm wingspan | 40-50 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Heathland | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | South Asia, Southeast Asia | Arctic Russia, Siberia, northern Alaska, Yukon |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Common Mormon
Males are plain black with a cream band; females occur in multiple forms mimicking different toxic species. A textbook example of female-limited polymorphism.
Did You Know?
A single gene called doublesex controls the switch between its mimetic female forms.
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.
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.