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The clouded yellow is a migratory, golden-yellow butterfly that visits areas like Britain and Ireland from North Africa and southern Europe, often appearing in large numbers during "Clouded Yellow years". It is a medium-sized butterfly with dark wing tips on the male, and its caterpillars feed on plants like clovers and bird's-foot trefoil. Clouded yellows can be found in various open habitats, especially those with their foodplants, and they are active from spring through autumn.
Key facts
Appearance: A medium-sized, golden-yellow butterfly. Males have dark wing tips, while the female is a pale yellow and can be confused with other species.
Migration: It is a strong migratory species, arriving in waves from North Africa and southern Europe, and leaving again to head south.
Habitat: It is found in many open habitats, and is particularly fond of flowery places, chalk grasslands, and semi-improved meadows.
"Clouded Yellow years": The butterfly appears in small numbers most years, but occasionally mass immigrations occur, which are remembered as "Clouded Yellow years".
Larval food plants: The caterpillars feed on plants such as wild and cultivated clovers and common bird's-foot trefoil.
Life cycle: They appear from spring to autumn. Some individuals may overwinter as a caterpillar.
