Aripa White
Image: Patito silvestre (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameAripa White
Scientific NameLeptophobia aripa
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Primary Colorsyellow, white, black, orange
HabitatOpen areas, forest edges, clearings, gardens, often at moderate to high elevations
Geographic RangeAndes region of South America (Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, northern Argentina)
Host PlantsBrassicaceae family plants, Nasturtium (Tropaeolum spp.)
Flight PeriodYear-round in many parts of its range, with multiple broods
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, hatching into caterpillars that feed on leaves. After several instars, the caterpillar pupates into a chrysalis, from which the adult butterfly emerges.
Identification TipsKey features include the pale dorsal forewings with dark venation and the distinctive bright yellow ventral hindwings with strong black stripes along the veins, often accompanied by an orange basal streak.
Description
This medium-sized butterfly has pale (often white) forewings with prominent dark veins, and striking bright yellow hindwings on the underside, heavily marked with bold black stripes along the veins and an orange basal streak.
