Family Pieridae (Whites and Sulphurs)

The Pieridae are members of the Superfamily Papilionoidea, the true butterflies, known for their mass migrations. Adults have medium to small wings that are white, yellow, or orange, with some black or red, and many have hidden ultraviolet patterns that are used in courtship. Species with more than one generation usually have distinct seasonal variation in appearance. Adults of all species visit flowers for nectar, and adults of both sexes have three pairs of walking legs. Males patrol in search of receptive mates, and females lay columnar eggs on leaves, buds, and stems.

All Pieridae species have six legs fully developed and functional. Many of the species usually have their legs concolourous with the butterflies' abdomen or wings. There is usually a darker longitudinal stripe throughout the length of the leg. The femur is usually covered with short and soft hairs. As with the other species, the Pierids have tarsal claws and fine hairs on the tarsal area of the leg to help it hold on to its perch whilst it stops to rest or when feeding. They usually utilise all six legs to grasp the perch or balance on a flower.

Antennae are half the length of the forewing and are slender, with a small and straight club. Eyes are smooth and the labial palps are larger than the head, projecting outward or slightly upward. Eggs are characteristic in being tall, bottle-shaped and strongly ribbed. Larvae are usually green and are relatively smooth, without spines and only short insignificant hair. The pupa typically has a pointed head and is secured in an upright position, supported by a silken thoracic girdle and also by the cremaster to a silken pad.

Posted on September 18, 2020 05:14 AM by kedartambe