About Northern Clouded Yellow
A bright orange-yellow butterfly with broad dark borders on the upperwings. The underside is greenish-yellow with a prominent silver discal spot. It is a strong, fast flier over tundra terrain.
Did You Know?
This butterfly was first described from specimens collected in Greenland by early polar explorers.
How to Identify Northern Clouded Yellow
Northern Clouded Yellow (Colias hecla) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Pieridae. Adults typically measure 38-50 mm wingspan.
Northern Clouded Yellow Habitat
Northern Clouded Yellow is found in tundra & arctic habitats, particularly across Arctic Canada, Greenland, Iceland, northern Scandinavia, Siberia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Northern Clouded Yellow Diet and Feeding
Northern Clouded Yellow feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is Northern Clouded Yellow Found?
Northern Clouded Yellow can be found in Arctic Canada, Greenland, Iceland, northern Scandinavia, Siberia, where it inhabits tundra & arctic environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Northern Clouded Yellow can be found
Is Northern Clouded Yellow Dangerous?
Northern Clouded Yellow is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Northern Clouded Yellow Role in Nature
Northern Clouded Yellow plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Northern Clouded Yellow
What does Northern Clouded Yellow look like?
The Northern Clouded Yellow typically measures 38-50 mm wingspan.
Where is Northern Clouded Yellow found?
The Northern Clouded Yellow is found in Arctic Canada, Greenland, Iceland, northern Scandinavia, Siberia and typically inhabits tundra & arctic environments.
What does Northern Clouded Yellow eat?
The Northern Clouded Yellow feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Northern Clouded Yellow dangerous to humans?
The Northern Clouded Yellow is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Northern Clouded Yellow?
This butterfly was first described from specimens collected in Greenland by early polar explorers.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Northern Clouded Yellow (Colias hecla). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/northern-clouded-yellow
MLA:
"Northern Clouded Yellow." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/northern-clouded-yellow.