Pieris marginalis

Scudder, 1861

margined white

Pieris marginalis, commonly known as the margined , is a distributed across western North America from the Yukon through Western Canada to the Rocky Mountains. It exhibits seasonal , with distinct spring and summer . The species utilizes plants in the Brassicaceae as larval and has been observed in both disturbed and undisturbed , suggesting ecological flexibility.

Pieris marginalis by (c) John Hibbard, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by John Hibbard. Used under a CC-BY license.Pieris marginalis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Pieris marginalis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pieris marginalis: /ˈpaɪərɪs mɑrˈdʒɪnælɪs/

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Identification

Distinguished from similar Pieris by the -green or gray-green edging on visible on the underside of and of . The seasonal (spring form with black-tipped forewings versus purely summer form) is a identifying feature. Very similar to Pieris oleracea, requiring careful examination of wing vein coloration for separation.

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Habitat

Occupies diverse environments across western North America including coastal areas, montane regions, and the Rocky Mountains. Observed in both disturbed and undisturbed , indicating adaptability to varied conditions. Described as a .

Distribution

Yukon, Western Canada, and the Rocky Mountains of North America. Distribution extends across coastal western North America. Specific provincial records include Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada.

Seasonality

exhibit seasonal with distinct spring and summer forms. Spring form displays more extensive dark markings on ; summer form is predominantly with reduced markings.

Diet

feed on plants in the Brassicaceae.

Similar Taxa

  • Pieris oleraceaVery similar in appearance; distinguished by coloration and pattern details
  • Pieris rapaeSimilar coloration but differs in distribution pattern and markings; P. rapae is and more associated with weedy disturbed

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Sources and further reading