List of butterflies of North America (Pieridae)
The Pieridae family, commonly known as whites, yellows, and sulphurs, is a diverse group of butterflies found throughout North America. This page provides a comprehensive list of Pieridae species documented within the continental boundaries of North America, including Canada, the United States, and Mexico. This list includes both resident and migratory species, as well as occasional strays or introduced species that have established populations.
Classification and Characteristics
Pieridae butterflies are characterized by their primarily white, yellow, or orange coloration, although some species display intricate patterns and markings. Many species exhibit sexual dimorphism, where males and females differ in appearance. They are medium-sized butterflies with delicate wings and a characteristic fluttering flight pattern. The larvae (caterpillars) typically feed on plants in the mustard family (Brassicaceae) and legumes (Fabaceae), as well as other herbaceous plants.
Species List
The following list presents the various Pieridae butterfly species found in North America, organized by subfamily and genus where appropriate. Subspecies and forms are included where they represent distinct and recognized taxa within the region.
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Coliadinae (Sulphurs)
- Colias
- Colias alexandra (Alexandra Sulphur)
- Colias eurytheme (Orange Sulphur)
- Colias philodice (Clouded Sulphur)
- Colias gigantea (Giant Sulphur)
- Colias interior (Pink-edged Sulphur)
- Colias nastes (Labrador Sulphur)
- Colias pelidne (Pelidne Sulphur)
- Colias hecla (Hecla Sulphur)
- Colias meadii (Mead's Sulphur)
- Eurema
- Eurema daira (Barred Yellow)
- Eurema lisa (Little Yellow)
- Eurema mexicana (Mexican Yellow)
- Eurema nicippe (Sleepy Orange)
- Eurema proterpia (Tailed Orange)
- Nathalis
- Nathalis iole (Dainty Sulphur)
- Zerene
- Zerene cesonia (Southern Dogface)
- Colias
-
Pierinae (Whites)
- Appias
- Appias drusilla (Florida White)
- Ascia
- Ascia monuste (Great Southern White)
- Euchloe
- Euchloe ausonides (Large Marble)
- Euchloe olympia (Olympia Marblewing)
- Euchloe hyantis (California Marble)
- Pieris
- Pieris angelika (Arctic White)
- Pieris marginalis (Margined White)
- Pieris napi (Veined White)
- Pieris oleracea (Mustard White)
- Pieris rapae (Cabbage White)
- Pontia
- Pontia beckerii (Becker's White)
- Pontia occidentalis (Western White)
- Pontia protodice (Checkered White)
- Appias
-
Other Genera
- Phoebis
- Phoebis agarithe (Large Orange Sulphur)
- Phoebis philea (Orange-barred Sulphur)
- Phoebis sennae (Cloudless Sulphur)
- Anteos
- Anteos maerula (Yellow Angled-Sulphur)
- Phoebis
Conservation Status
The conservation status of Pieridae butterflies varies depending on the species and its geographic location. Some species, like the Cabbage White, are widespread and abundant, while others are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss, pesticide use, or climate change. Specific conservation efforts are in place for certain species in localized regions.
Further Research
This list is intended as a starting point for further research. Consult field guides, scientific publications, and online resources for more detailed information on the identification, distribution, and ecology of Pieridae butterflies in North America.