Hodges#4196

Pieris virginiensis

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pieris virginiensis: //ˈpaɪərɪs vɜːdʒɪˈniːənsɪs//

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

Images

Pieris virginiensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Pieris virginiensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Pieris virginiensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Pieris virginiensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Pieris virginiensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Pieris virginiensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Pieris virginiensis, known as the West Virginia white, is a butterfly found primarily in moist deciduous forests of North America. It faces threats from habitat loss and invasive species.

Physical Characteristics

Wings are translucent, whitish, with no yellowish tint underneath. Underside of hindwings has blurry brown or pale gray scaling along veins. Wing span ranges from 4.5 to 5.3 cm (1 3/4 - 2 1/8 inches).

Identification Tips

Translucent whitish wings with brownish or pale gray scaling along the hindwing veins; confusion with garlic mustard can lead to decline.

Habitat

Moist deciduous woodlands or mixed woods.

Distribution

Northern Great Lakes states, from New England southwest along the Appalachians to north Georgia and northeast Alabama, also found in southern Ontario.

Diet

Caterpillar hosts include Toothworts (Dentaria diphylla and D. laciniata); adults feed on nectar from toothworts, spring beauty, violets, and other plants.

Life Cycle

In northern regions, there is one flight in May; in southern regions, one flight from April to May. Males patrol to locate females. Eggs are laid singly on undersides of host plant leaves, and chrysalids hibernate on stems or litter under the plant.

Reproduction

Males patrol for females and lay eggs singly on the undersides of host plant leaves.

Conservation Status

Threatened by the invasive garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), affecting survivability of offspring.

Ecosystem Role

Pollinator for various flowering plants.

Cultural Significance

Referenced in literature, specifically in Nabokov's 'Pale Fire', suggesting its cultural presence in natural history.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Confusion of garlic mustard with host plants leads to poor offspring survival.

Tags

  • butterfly
  • lepidoptera
  • pieridae
  • conservation
  • invasive species