Glutophrissa drusilla

Distinguished from other white butterflies in its North American range by its tropical origin and association with southern Florida habitats. In Florida, it may be confused with Ascia monuste (Great Southern White), which has more pronounced dark wing margins and spotting, or with Pieris species, which are smaller and show more distinct black forewing tips. The Florida White lacks the orange antennal clubs found in some other pierids. Accurate identification may require examination of wing venation and genitalia for specimens outside the known range.

A medium-sized white butterfly with relatively plain, unmarked or lightly marked wings. The wings are typically white to pale cream in color with possible faint dark markings on the wing margins. Sexual dimorphism may be present, with females sometimes showing more pronounced markings than males. The wing shape is typical of the Pieridae family with rounded forewings and more angular hindwings.

Tropical lowland evergreen or semideciduous forests. In Florida, occupies subtropical hardwood hammocks and coastal areas with suitable host plants. Also recorded from disturbed habitats and gardens where host plants occur.

Native to tropical America from Brazil north through Central America and the Caribbean. In the United States, resident populations occur in southern peninsular Florida and the Florida Keys. Regularly visits coastal Texas as a non-breeding visitor. Documented as a rare stray to Nebraska and Colorado. Colombian records include San Vicente de Chucurí, Nariño (San Isidro, Reserva Natural La Planada), Villavicencio, Río Negro, and Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de Chiribiquete.

Adults are active year-round in southern Florida where resident populations occur. Activity in Texas and other northern areas is sporadic and associated with warm-season dispersal events. Peak abundance in Florida likely coincides with favorable breeding conditions during warmer months.

Adults have been observed visiting flowers for nectar. The species is known to disperse northward from core tropical populations, occasionally reaching areas far beyond the breeding range.

Occasional garden visitor in southern Florida. Serves as an indicator of tropical habitat quality in its native range. Rare northern records generate interest among lepidopterists.

• Ascia monuste (Great Southern White)Overlaps in Florida; distinguished by more extensive dark wing markings and orange antennal clubs
• Pieris rapae (Cabbage White)Overlaps in potential northern stray range; smaller size with distinct black forewing tips
• Glutophrissa agnataCongeneric species in Central and South America; distinguished by distribution and subtle wing pattern differences

• butterfly
• pierid
• Florida
• tropical
• dispersal
• stray

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life