Coral Hairstreak vs Arctic Sulphur

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Coral Hairstreak Arctic Sulphur
Scientific Name Satyrium titus Colias nastes
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lycaenidae Pieridae
Size 25-32 mm wingspan 36-46 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Tundra & Arctic
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Southern Canada and most of the United States except the deep south Arctic Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Rocky Mountain alpine zones
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Coral Hairstreak

A tailless hairstreak butterfly with a row of bright coral-red spots along the hindwing margin. Its brown wings lack the delicate tails typical of other hairstreaks.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most hairstreaks, it completely lacks tail-like extensions on its hindwings.

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.

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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.