Pure-banded Dartwhite
Common NamePure-banded Dartwhite
Scientific NameCatasticta pureza
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Primary Colorsblack, yellow
HabitatMontane cloud forests, forest edges, high-altitude clearings
Geographic RangeAndes of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru
Host PlantsLoranthaceae (mistletoes)
Flight PeriodYear-round in suitable climates, with peaks during wet seasons
Flight Styledarting
Lifecycle NotesLike other Pieridae, it undergoes complete metamorphosis. Eggs are laid on host plants, larvae feed on leaves, pupate, and then emerge as adults.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the distinctive pattern of broad, bright yellow bands on a black background, particularly the continuous band across the hindwings and the broken band on the forewings. The robust body for a Pierid also aids identification.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with velvety black wings adorned with striking bright yellow bands. The forewings feature a broad yellow postmedian band and a few smaller yellow spots near the apex, while the hindwings display a prominent yellow median band.
