List of butterflies of North America (Pieridae)

Checkered White egg, Pontia protodice, on Garlic Mustard.

Whites and Sulphurs are small to medium sized butterflies. Their wingspans range from 0.8-4.0 inches (2-10.2 cm). There are about 1,000 species worldwide with about 61 species in North America. Most Whites and Sulphurs are white, yellow, and orange with some black, and some may be various shades of gray-green. Their flight is mostly slow and fluttering, but some of the larger species have quicker flights. Both males and females like to feed at flowers, while males also like to puddle on damp ground. Male Whites and Sulphurs locate females by patrolling. The eggs are spindle-shaped and laid singly. Most of the long-slender larva are green or yellow. The chrysalis is usually triangular or cone-headed. It hangs up right supported by a silken loop around the middle. The overwintering varies with species. It may be larva, chrysalis, or adult.

Subfamily Pierinae: Whites

Female Checkered White, Pontia protodice.
West Virginia White, Pieris virginiensis.
Female Cabbage White, Pieris rapae.
Male Falcate Orangetip, Anthocharis midea.

Subfamily Coliadinae: Sulphurs

Male Orange Sulphur, Colias eurytheme.
Male Southern Dogface, Zerene cesonia.
Mexican Yellow, Eurema mexicana.
Tailed Orange, Eurema proterpia.
Dainty Sulphur, Nathalis iole.
Lyside Sulphur, Kricogonia lyside.

Subfamily Dismorphiinae: Mimic-Whites

References


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