Lesser Bath White
Common NameLesser Bath White
Scientific NamePontia chloridice
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorswhite, green, black
HabitatDry grasslands, steppes, rocky slopes, open fields, mountain meadows
Geographic RangeSoutheastern Europe, Asia Minor, Central Asia, Siberia, Mongolia
Host PlantsSisymbrium, Descurainia, Erysimum, various Brassicaceae
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Eggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae feed on Brassicaceae, pupating on or near the host plant. Overwinters as a pupa.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the prominent green-yellowish marbling on the underside of the hindwings, which is less extensive and more defined than in the similar Bath White (*Pontia daplidice*). The forewing upperside has a black apical patch and a distinct black discal spot.
Description
A small to medium-sized white butterfly with a distinctive green-yellowish marbling pattern on the underside of the hindwings and black markings on the forewing tips and a central spot.
