Theodice White
Common NameTheodice White
Scientific NamePhulia theodice
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorswhite, black
HabitatHigh Andean alpine meadows, puna grasslands, rocky slopes
Geographic RangeAndes of Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina
Host PlantsDraba species
Flight PeriodNovember to April (Southern Hemisphere summer)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLike other Pieridae, it undergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae feed on host plants, primarily species of Draba, before pupating.
Identification TipsKey identification features include its white wings with strong dark venation and marginal patterns, its dark body, and its specific high-altitude Andean habitat.
Description
A small to medium-sized white butterfly with a dark, hairy body. Its wings are white with prominent black or dark brown markings along the veins and margins, giving a distinct striped or checkered appearance.
