Pieridae

Swainson, 1820

Whites, Yellows, Sulphurs, Orangetips

Subfamily Guides

Coliadinae(Yellows)
Pierinae(Whites)

is a large of butterflies containing approximately 76 and 1,100 , characterized by white, yellow, or orange coloration with black markings. The family was established by William Swainson in 1820. The name "" is believed to derive from the brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni), a member of this family historically called the "butter-coloured fly." The family is divided into four : Dismorphiinae, Pierinae, Coliadinae, and Pseudopontiinae. Many species are economically significant as agricultural pests, particularly those feeding on brassicas.

Pierinae by (c) Ani Sarkisyan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ani Sarkisyan. Used under a CC-BY license.

Anthocharis thoosa by no rights reserved, uploaded by Robbie Hannawacker. Used under a CC0 license.

Anthocharis thoosa inghami by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

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.

Identification

butterflies are distinguished by their predominantly white, yellow, or orange wing coloration, often with black spots or markings. The sexes typically differ in pattern or number of black markings. The can be separated from similar families by morphological features: the radial on the forewing has three or four branches (rarely five), forelegs are well developed in both sexes (unlike Nymphalidae), and tarsal claws are bifid (unlike Papilionidae). Pupae are held at an angle by a silk girdle running at the first abdominal segment (versus thoracic girdle in Papilionidae), though some lack this abdominal girdle entirely.

Images

Habitat

vary widely across the 's distribution. occur in tropical forests, savannas, grasslands, agricultural areas, gardens, and temperate woodlands. Many species are associated with open, disturbed habitats including fields, vacant lots, and roadsides where plants grow. Higher elevation species occupy mountain meadows and riparian corridors. The madrone and related species occur in oak-juniper woodlands and riparian forests.

Distribution

Primarily tropical Africa and tropical Asia, with significant representation in northern regions of North America and Eurasia. The has a nearly distribution excluding extreme polar regions and isolated oceanic islands. Individual show varying ranges: some are widespread (), others highly restricted (Pseudopontia paradoxa to West Africa; Euchloe ausonides insulanis limited to San Juan and Lopez islands, Washington).

Seasonality

Activity periods vary by and latitude. Tropical species may be active year-round. Temperate species typically fly spring through fall, with some appearing among the earliest butterflies of the season (e.g., Spring White, Pontia sisymbrii, in late February). Multi-brooded species at lower elevations may have two or more annually; single-brooded species at higher elevations fly in summer. has been recorded flying as early as January 1 in central California under warming climate conditions.

Diet

feed on nectar from diverse flowers. Larvae are herbivorous, feeding primarily on plants in Brassicaceae (mustards, cabbages), Fabaceae (legumes), Capparidaceae, Santalaceae, Loranthaceae, and Rhamnaceae (buckthorns). Specific associations include: brassicas for Pieris brassicae and P. rapae; Rhamnus for Gonepteryx; Sisymbrium, Descurainia, and Arabis for Pontia sisymbrii; Astragalus thracicus for Colias aurorina.

Life Cycle

Complete with , larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and stages. Females deposit eggs singly or in small clusters on plant stems and foliage. Larvae progress through five instars. Pupae of most are suspended by a silk girdle; some species attach only at the caudal end. Developmental timing varies: some species produce non- pupae enabling continuous breeding in favorable conditions, while others enter diapause to overwinter.

Behavior

Males of many exhibit gregarious mud-puddling to imbibe salts from moist soils. Some species engage in "," where males fly along ridgelines to intercept females. patterns vary: some are fast and erratic (marbles), others more direct. Several species are strongly migratory, particularly within Pierinae. frequently bask with wings open or closed depending on temperature. Some species demonstrate remarkable camouflage when perched, orienting to conceal bright coloration.

Ecological Role

Larvae function as herbivores, occasionally reaching pest status in agricultural systems. serve as . The represents a significant food source for including birds, spiders, and . Larvae of are preyed upon by Polistes paper wasps and other predators. Some participate in mimicry complexes (Dismorphiinae).

Human Relevance

Several are major agricultural pests, particularly (cabbage white) and P. brassicae (large white), which damage cole crops. The is economically significant in both pest management and conservation contexts. Art Shapiro's long-term "Beer-for-a-" contest tracking first of P. rapae since 1972 has provided valuable climate change data. Some species are cultivated for butterfly houses and educational programs.

Similar Taxa

PapilionidaePapilionidae pupae have a thoracic silk girdle versus abdominal girdle in ; Pieridae lack tailed hindwings characteristic of many swallowtails.
NymphalidaeNymphalidae have reduced, brush-like forelegs in ; have fully developed forelegs in both sexes.
LycaenidaeLycaenidae are typically smaller with more delicate builds, often with iridescent blue or coloration; are generally larger with matte white, yellow, or orange pigmentation derived from waste products.