Family Pieridae [Whites & Yellows]

As the name suggests, most butterflies are white or yellow. The unique pigments pterins which are responsible for these colours are known to absorb or reflect a variable amount of UV light. The word “butterfly” probably originated due the butter like color of this group. Found in low as well as high elevations and many prefer open country. No pierides have a tail on hindwings. The forelegs are well developed with conspicuous bifid tarsal claws but without tibial epiphysis. The forewing has one anal vein and 3-5 radial veins. HW has 2 anal veins. Males gather in large numbers for mudpuddling. Butterflies like emigrants are known to migrate. Eggs are tall, spindle shaped. Larvae smooth, cylindrical. Pupae are anchored at the tail end and have a silken girdle supporting the middle. Many pieridae show seasonal variation.