Berger's Clouded Yellow

Colias alfacariensis

Photo © Peter Eeles

Berger's Clouded Yellow

Colias alfacariensis

Photo © Peter Eeles



The Berger's Clouded Yellow was identified as a distinct species from the Pale Clouded Yellow in 1945 as described in Berger (1948) and is named after the Belgian entomologist, L.A. Berger, who made this discovery. This species is an extremely rare immigrant to the British Isles and is not seen in some years at all. It would appear that none of the stages is able to survive the British winter, although individuals seen near Folkestone in May 1948 were believed to have survived a mild winter.

Although the species was first recognised in 1945, subsequent examination of historical collections have turned up around 50 specimens, the earliest of which is an individual taken in Folkestone in 1875. Relatively good numbers were seen each year from 1947 to 1949. However, such numbers have not been recorded since and this species is now considered one of our rarest migrants. This species is a rare migrant to the British Isles, with most historic specimens coming from the south coast of England, especially from West Kent and East Kent.


Distribution

Description to be completed.

Habitat

The haunts of this butterfly are similar to the Clouded Yellow, which includes coastal cliffs and open downland.

Nectar Sources

Description to be completed.

Foodplants

Description to be completed.


Phenology

Description to be completed.