Pieris angelika

Eitschberger, 1984

Arctic White

Pieris angelika, commonly known as the Arctic White, is a cold-adapted in the Pieridae. It occurs in subarctic and regions of northwestern North America. The was described by Eitschberger in 1984, though its taxonomic status may be subject to revision due to potential earlier descriptions. It is one of the few Pieris species specialized for high-latitude environments.

Pieris angelika CSU ENT1040287 by CSU, Department of Bioagricultural Sciences and Pest Management. Used under a CC0 license.

WHITE, ARCTIC (Pieris angelica) (6-10-2016) kougarok road, nome, alaska -02 (29126010205) by ALAN SCHMIERER. Used under a CC0 license.

WHITE, ARCTIC (Pieris angelica) (6-10-2016) kougarok road, nome, alaska -01 (28504047454) by ALAN SCHMIERER. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pieris angelika: /ˈpiːərɪs ænˈdʒɛlɪkə/

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

Identification

Distinguished from other Pieris by its restricted high-latitude distribution and specific wing pattern: males show thin black costal and marginal lines with dark green veining on the yellowish underside. Females exhibit more extensive dark scaling along compared to southern Pieris species. The combination of small size, cold-climate , and distinct wing patterning separates it from P. rapae and P. oleracea.

Images

Appearance

have a wingspan of 33–42 mm. Males are predominantly white above, with a thin black line along the and wing margin, plus variable black shading on the wings. The underside is pale yellow with dark green . Females are white or yellow with dark scaling and patches along the veins.

Habitat

Subarctic and environments including tundra margins, taiga, and northern forest-steppe transitions. Occupies open with early-season flowering plants in regions with short growing seasons.

Distribution

Northwestern Canada (Yukon, Northwest Territories, northwestern British Columbia) and Alaska. Present across subarctic and northern zones of western North America.

Similar Taxa

Pieris rapaeSimilar white coloration and wing pattern, but P. rapae occurs in temperate and subtropical regions, is larger on average, and lacks the dark green veining characteristic of P. angelika. P. rapae is a widespread agricultural pest, while P. angelika is restricted to undisturbed northern .
Pieris oleraceaOverlaps in northern range but P. oleracea typically shows more extensive dark markings on the upperside and occurs in more eastern regions. P. angelika has a more restricted western subarctic distribution.

More Details

Taxonomic Uncertainty

The specific epithet may require revision if earlier descriptions (pre-1983) are validated, potentially affecting the accepted .

Cold Adaptation

One of the few Pieris adapted to true subarctic conditions, with persisting in environments with extremely short seasons.