Southern Small White
Common NameSouthern Small White
Scientific NamePieris mannii
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorswhite, black, brown
HabitatRocky areas, dry grasslands, scrubland, open woodlands, gardens
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe, North Africa, parts of the Middle East
Host PlantsAlyssum, Iberis, Biscutella, Aethionema, Sinapis, Brassica
Flight PeriodMarch to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are green with fine hairs and a pale dorsal line. Pupae are typically green or brown, camouflaged on stems or leaves, with multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsDistinguished from similar white butterflies by the more extensive and often triangular dark markings at the forewing apex, and typically a more pronounced black spot on the forewing. The underside hindwing is usually plain white or yellowish-white.
Description
A small to medium-sized white butterfly with prominent dark brown to black markings at the forewing tips and one or two distinct dark spots on the forewing. The body is slender and grayish.
