The Pierids

Pierids are the most familiar types of butterflies found in open fields. This group includes the sulfurs, orange-tips, and whites. Pierids are especially numerous when clover is in bloom. The pierids are colored orange, yellow, or white and often have dark markings on the wings. The wings are rounded and range from 1 to 2 1/4 inches (25 to 57 mm) in span. The fore wings and hind wings are nearly the same size. The caterpillars are greenish or whitish with stripes running lengthwise. Some destroy garden crops.

Sulfurs—sometimes spelled sulphurs—and whites make up a family of butterflies that live all over the world. Most of these butterflies, however, live in tropical lands.

In North America, including most of the United States, the orange sulfur is common. The upper side of its wings is yellow, but the lower side of the wings is often yellow-orange with dark outer edges. This butterfly is also called the alfalfa butterfly because the females lay their eggs on alfalfa. The orange sulfur caterpillar eats alfalfa plants.

Another common butterfly of this group is the cabbage white. It is a small white butterfly with tiny black spots and black tips on its upper wings. The caterpillar of the cabbage white eats cabbage and other leafy vegetables. Farmers and gardeners consider it a pest.

Family: Pieridae. Examples:

(Pieris rapae). White wings with black tips and spots. Common pest on cabbage and similar plants. Very common in temperate zone.

(Anthocharis midea). Male's wings are white, tipped with orange. Found east of Rockies, especially in southern states.

(Eurema lisa). Bright yellow wings with black edges. Found throughout the United States and southern Canada.

(Colias eurytheme). The male's wings are orange with dark borders and spots. Often found along roadsides and in muddy places. Found throughout the United States.