Pierinae

Whites

Tribe Guides

2

Pierinae is a large of pierid butterflies commonly known as the whites. Members are characterized by predominantly white or pale yellow wings, often with black markings or orange tips in males of certain . The subfamily includes economically significant such as the cabbage white (Pieris rapae), an introduced pest of crucifer crops, as well as numerous native species across diverse . Pierinae butterflies are found on every continent except Antarctica, with highest diversity in temperate and tropical regions.

Anthocharis thoosa by no rights reserved, uploaded by Robbie Hannawacker. Used under a CC0 license.Anthocharis sara by (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ken-ichi Ueda. Used under a CC-BY license.Pierinae by (c) portioid, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by portioid. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pierinae: //ˌpiːəˈraɪniː//

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Images

Distribution

Worldwide distribution across all continents except Antarctica. Documented occurrences include North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America. Specific regional records include: Mozambique (southern Africa), northern Australia (monsoon tropics), Peru and Ecuador (Andean highlands to 5000 m elevation), southeastern Turkey, Sri Lanka, and central California (long-term monitoring sites).

Host Associations

  • Brassicaceae - larval Primary for many Pierinae, including weedy mustards (Brassica, Raphanus), hedge mustards (Sisymbrium), tansy-mustard (Descurainia), rock-cresses (Arabis), and peppergrass (Lepidium latifolium)
  • Capparaceae - larval Ancestral within Pierinae; used by Leptosia nina and other
  • Euphorbiaceae - larval Drypetes deplanchei used by Appias albina albina in northern Australia
  • Resedaceae - larval Reseda aucheri recorded as for Pontia glauconome in Turkey

Human Relevance

Pieris rapae (cabbage white/small white) is a major agricultural pest as larvae (imported cabbageworms) feed on cole crops including cabbage, broccoli, kale, and bok choy. Long-term scientific monitoring of first dates in California since 1972 provides valuable data on and climate change effects. Some serve as indicator organisms for quality and phenological studies.

Similar Taxa

  • Coliadinae (sulphurs/yellows)Both are within Pieridae; Coliadinae typically exhibit yellow or orange coloration rather than white, and structure differs (sensilla styloconica distinct between subfamilies per SEM study)
  • Papilioninae (swallowtails)Both are with some pale-colored ; Papilioninae possess distinctive tail-like extensions on hindwings and different wing venation patterns

Sources and further reading