Western White
Common NameWestern White
Scientific NamePontia occidentalis
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)42.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black, grey
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, sagebrush steppe, alpine tundra, forest clearings
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from Alaska and western Canada south through the Rocky Mountains to Arizona and New Mexico, and west to California.
Host PlantsArabis, Descurainia, Sisymbrium, Brassica, Lepidium
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are green with yellow stripes, feeding on mustard family plants. Pupae are typically green or brown.
Identification TipsLook for the distinct black spots on the white forewings. The underside of the hindwings often shows greenish-grey veins or mottling, especially in spring forms.
Description
A medium-sized white butterfly with a dark, hairy body and prominent black spots on the upperside of its forewings.
