Whites, Sulphurs, Yellows

Pieridae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Papilionoidea
Family: Pieridae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pieridae: /ˈpiːrɪˌdeɪ/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Eurema desjardinsii by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Colias diva by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Mylothris hilara by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Aphrissa orbis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

The Pieridae family consists of various butterflies known for their distinct coloration and patterns, with significant differences between sexes. They are widely distributed and include both pest species and important pollinators.

Physical Characteristics

Adults have medium to small wings that are predominantly white, yellow, or orange, often featuring black or red markings. Many species possess hidden ultraviolet patterns used during courtship.

Identification Tips

Look for black markings on wings that can vary between sexes; males of many species exhibit gregarious mud-puddling behavior.

Habitat

Primarily found in various habitats including gardens, fields, and wetlands, depending on the species.

Distribution

Mostly tropical Africa and tropical Asia, with some varieties found in northern regions of North America and Eurasia.

Diet

The larvae predominantly feed on plants from the Brassicaceae family, while many Sulphurs utilize Fabaceae as their hosts.

Life Cycle

Most species may have more than one generation per year; overwintering typically occurs as larvae or pupae.

Reproduction

Females lay columnar eggs on leaves, buds, or stems of host plants.

Ecosystem Role

They serve as important pollinators and are part of the food web as both herbivores (larvae) and prey for various predators.

Economic Impact

Some species, like Pieris brassicae and Pieris rapae, are considered agricultural pests, particularly in brassica crops.

Cultural Significance

The term 'butterfly' may have originated from the brimstone butterfly, Gonepteryx rhamni, referred to as the 'butter-coloured fly' by early British naturalists.

Evolution

The family Pieridae was established by William John Swainson in 1820; they exhibit a range of evolutionary adaptations among their 76 genera and 1,100 species.