Spring White
Common NameSpring White
Scientific NamePontia sisymbrii
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorswhite, black, yellowish-green
HabitatArid and semi-arid regions, open woodlands, canyons, rocky hillsides
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from British Columbia south to Baja California and east to the Rocky Mountains
Host PlantsStreptanthus, Arabis, Caulanthus, Descurainia, Sisymbrium
Flight PeriodMarch to June
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Caterpillars are green with yellow stripes. The species overwinters as a pupa.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive broad, dark, often yellowish-green or grey-green stripes along the veins on the underside of the hindwings. Its early spring flight period is also a key identifier.
Description
A small white butterfly with black markings at the wingtips on the upperside. The underside of the hindwing features prominent dark, often yellowish-green or grey-green, stripes along the veins.
