Becker's White
Common NameBecker's White
Scientific NamePontia beckerii
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)42
Primary Colorswhite, green, yellow, black
HabitatArid and semi-arid regions, deserts, sagebrush scrub, open plains, foothills
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from southern British Columbia to Baja California, east to Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico
Host PlantsIsomeris arborea, Stanleya pinnata, Descurainia sophia, various Brassicaceae
Flight PeriodApril to October
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are typically green with light stripes, camouflaged on the host. Pupae are green or brown and attach to stems.
Identification TipsLook for the white wings with black forewing spots and the striking green and yellow veined pattern on the underside of the hindwings, which is particularly visible when the butterfly is at rest.
Description
This medium-sized white butterfly features prominent black spots on its forewings and a distinctive pattern of green and yellow scales along the veins on the underside of its hindwings.
