Parana White
Common NameParana White
Scientific NameHesperocharis paranensis
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorscream, pale yellow, black
HabitatHumid forests, forest edges, and clearings
Geographic RangeSouthern Brazil (Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul), Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina (Misiones)
Host PlantsCapparis spp.
Flight PeriodMultiple broods throughout warmer months, potentially year-round in tropical parts of its range
Flight Stylefluttering
Lifecycle NotesLike other Pieridae, it undergoes complete metamorphosis. Eggs are laid on host plants, developing into green, camouflaged larvae, which then pupate into angular chrysalises before emerging as adults.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its pale, creamy-yellow wings with subtle dusky markings on the underside, especially on the hindwings. Its size and typical Pieridae wing shape, combined with its specific South American range, are key identifiers.
Description
A small to medium-sized butterfly with creamy white to pale yellow wings. The underside of the hindwings and sometimes the forewings exhibit subtle, dusky grey or blackish markings, creating a faintly patterned appearance.
