Clouded Yellow
Colias croceusClouded Yellows are striking migrant butterflies that travel to the UK from Europe, sometimes arriving in large waves to brighten our coasts and countryside. With strong wings and a wingspan of up to 62mm, they’re built for long-distance flight. They’re adaptable to any environment, and found across the UK. Numbers vary each year, but every sighting of this sunshine-bright traveller feels extra special.
A sunny sight brightening our shores
A stunning butterfly to behold, the Clouded Yellow has lime green eyes, pink legs and citrusy yellow underwings. Their upperwings are a deep golden yellow, like egg yolk, with beautiful black patterned edges and a black spot on each. Occasionally, you may see a slightly paler version of the female.
Clouded Yellows are sunshine-bright regular visitors to the UK, arriving from Europe each year. Numbers vary greatly from year-to-year depending on migration conditions. In a good summer, waves of these vibrant migrants arrive to spread joy across the UK’s coastlines and countryside.
With a rather large wingspan of up to 62mm, the Clouded Yellow’s strong wings are designed for long-haul travel.
Like any good traveler, these butterflies are adaptable and open-minded, so you’ll find them in pretty much any habitat. But they often opt for open grassland, farmland and coastal areas.
Tantalisingly, Clouded Yellows can show up almost anywhere in the UK, but they do seem to have a preference for the coasts of southern England. Keep your eyes peeled for this frequent flyer.
Vibes
Each butterfly is scored out of 100 across a set of traits, from how bold and visible it is to how far it travels or how particular it is about where it lives. These scores compare each species with the other butterflies in Britain, helping you see their differences at a glance. Here’s what makes the Clouded Yellow special.
Bright colours, bold patterns, and a love of the spotlight. Some butterflies just can’t help showing off.
Fast, or throwing some seriously impressive moves, these butterflies are in a flutter.
Always on guard, ready to hide or defend - these butterflies have self-preservation down to an art.
It’s ok to be a little… well, weird. These butterflies have been certified with the freak factor.
Like Goldilocks, everything has to be just right for these perfectionists.
Hard to spot and even harder to forget, these butterflies are a true one of a kind.
Bold, curious, and ready to explore, these brave butterflies live for the thrill and aren’t afraid to travel.
Weather-resistant, battle-hardened, and built to survive, these butterflies know how to take it on the wing.
Clouded Yellows use their strong wings to carry them across the sea from mainland Europe.
Test your knowledge
Why do Clouded Yellow numbers vary so much from year-to-year.The Clouded Yellow is a migrant species, so its numbers in the UK depend on how many can successfully travel from Europe each year.
Does the Clouded Yellow get your vote?