Pontia beckerii
(Edwards, 1871)
Becker's white, Great Basin white, sagebrush white
Pontia beckerii is a in the , commonly known as Becker's , 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 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 (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 distribution helps separate it from . Females with heavier dark markings may be confused with other Pontia , requiring close examination of 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
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
- Stanleya pinnata - larval
- Brassica nigra - larval
- Descurainia pinnata - larval
- Sisymbrium altissimum - larval
- Sisymbrium linifolium - larval syn. Schoenocrambe linifolia
- Lepidium perfoliatum - larval
- Thelypodium sagittatum - larval
- Thelypodium laciniatum - larval
Similar Taxa
- Pontia sisymbriiOverlapping range and similar checkered pattern; subtle differences in markings and preference separate the
- Pontia protodiceSimilar appearance as a checkered ; differs in distribution pattern and associations
- Pontia occidentalisAnother western checkered with similar ; geographic and ecological factors aid identification
More Details
Nomenclature
The was originally described as Pieris beckerii by Edwards in 1871 before being transferred to the Pontia.