Family Pieridae, the Whites and Sulphurs

Family Facts:

• Most members of Family Pieridae are white or yellow in color, as the family's common name implies.
• There are about 60 species of Pierids in North America, with 19 occurring in Idaho.   Those in Idaho represent two subfamilies, the Pierinae (Whites, Marbles, and Orangetips) and the Coliadinae (Sulfurs).  Most are fairly common.
• Members of this family are generally characterized by the following: 1) medium size; 2) the tips of the legs, called the claws, are forked; 3) the forelegs of males and females are full-sized and fully functional; 4) the wings of many species reflect and absorb ultraviolet light in specific patterns, which helps the butterflies identify potential mates of the same species; and 5) many exhibit sexual dimorphism, meaning that butterflies of the same species look differently, depending on their sex.  Several species are seasonally variable, with individuals emerging early in the season looking differently than those emerging later.
• Eggs are generally round and elongated, like a cylinder, and ribbed.  Caterpillars are generally green and without hairs or spines.  The caterpillars of most Whites feed on various species of mustards (Family Brassicaceae), while the caterpillars of most Sulphurs feed on legumes (Family Leguminosae).  Pupae typically have both a cremaster and a silk girdle, and often are pointed at the head.  Generally no cocoon is formed.

Family Members in Idaho: