The Pink-edged Sulphur is one of approximately 120 species of butterfly in Maine and is found across the state. It favors a variety of open areas, including forest roadsides, peatlands, and blueberry barrens.
Females lay their eggs on blueberry leaves, which is also the favorite food for caterpillars. As winter approaches young caterpillars hibernate, pupating the following spring, and taking flight as fresh adults by early summer.
An adult Pink-edged Sulphur has a wingspan between 1.4 and 1.9 inches. The butterflies sip nectar from a variety of flowers and may help to pollinate some of Maine’s wildflowers.
The Pink-edged Sulphur became Maine’s official state butterfly in 2023 due to efforts by fifth grade students at Loranger Memorial School in Old Orchard Beach.