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Santa Barbara Field Guides - Butterflies Lepidoptera Pieridae Pontia sisymbrii Spring White |
Size:
wingspread 1-1.5 in. Recognition: White or faintly yellow (females); small black spots on upper, outer half of FW; underside white and has yellow veins that are outlined darkly in the HW. Flight period: Adults are active from February to June. Hostplants: Larvae of the Spring White feed on many plants in the mustard family (Brassicaceae) such as rock cresses, jewel flowers, tansy mustard, and tumble mustard. Habitat: The Spring White is found almost exclusively in sunny, open settings in our hills, canyons, mountains and desert areas. Distribution: Found throughout the western U.S. During the cooler months of early spring it is active in the Mojave desert, and in coastal mountains later in the flight season. |