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Santa Barbara Field Guides - Butterflies
Lepidoptera
   Pieridae

     Pontia beckerii
     Becker's white


upperside
underside

Size: wingspread 1.5-1.75 in.
Recognition: Small to medium, mostly white with black patch on upper, outer FW, and spots on outer FW tips; female has spots on outer HW edges as well.
Flight period: Adults are active from March to October.
Hostplants: The larvae of the Becker's white feed on plants in the caper (Capparaceae) and mustard (Brassicaceae) families, such as bladderpod (Isomeris arborea) and prince's plume (Stanleya).
Habitat: Found in desert hills, canyons, and scrubby areas.
Distribution: Found throughout the western U.S., and in dry mountainous and desert areas of southern California. In Santa Barbara County it has been recorded along the Cuyama River.

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