Pontia beckerii
(Edwards, 1871)
Becker's white, Great Basin white, sagebrush white
Pontia beckerii is a in the Pieridae, commonly known as Becker's white, Great Basin white, or sagebrush white. It ranges across western North America from Baja California, Mexico to southern British Columbia, Canada. The is closely related to other checkered whites in the Pontia and shares their general , with larvae feeding on various mustard family plants.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pontia beckerii: /ˈpɔn.ti.a bɛkˈkeː.ri.i/
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Identification
Distinguished from similar checkered whites (Pontia sisymbrii, Pontia protodice, and Pontia occidentalis) by geographic range and subtle pattern differences. The combination of small size, white base color with limited black markings, and western North American distribution helps separate it from . Females with heavier dark markings may be confused with other Pontia , requiring close examination of wing pattern details.
Images
Habitat
Associated with sagebrush and other semi-arid vegetation in western North America. Inhabits grasslands, steppe, and open areas where plants grow.
Distribution
Western North America from Baja California, Mexico northward through California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington to southern British Columbia, Canada. Present throughout the Great Basin and adjacent regions.
Diet
Larvae feed on plants in the Brassicaceae (mustards). Documented plants include Isomeris arborea, Stanleya pinnata, Brassica nigra, Descurainia pinnata, Sisymbrium altissimum, Sisymbrium linifolium (syn. Schoenocrambe linifolia), Lepidium perfoliatum, Thelypodium sagittatum, and Thelypodium laciniatum.
Host Associations
- Isomeris arborea - larval plant
- Stanleya pinnata - larval plant
- Brassica nigra - larval plant
- Descurainia pinnata - larval plant
- Sisymbrium altissimum - larval plant
- Sisymbrium linifolium - larval plantsyn. Schoenocrambe linifolia
- Lepidium perfoliatum - larval plant
- Thelypodium sagittatum - larval plant
- Thelypodium laciniatum - larval plant
Similar Taxa
- Pontia sisymbriiOverlapping range and similar checkered white pattern; subtle differences in wing markings and preference separate the
- Pontia protodiceSimilar appearance as a checkered white; differs in distribution pattern and plant associations
- Pontia occidentalisAnother western checkered white with similar ; geographic and ecological factors aid identification