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Santa Barbara Field Guides - Butterflies Lepidoptera Pieridae Pontia beckerii Becker's white |
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. |