Pieridae

Pieridae is a family of butterflies in the order Lepidoptera, commonly known as the whites and yellows. It is divided into two large subfamilies: Pierinae, the whites, and Coliadinae, the sulphurs or yellows. The group includes well-known genera such as Pieris, Colias, Gonepteryx, Anthocharis, Delias, and Leptidea.

Adults are typically white, cream, or yellow with black or grey markings; many species exhibit sexual dimorphism and seasonal forms.

Pieridae is found on every continent except Antarctica, with greatest diversity in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and in tropical mountains. They inhabit meadows, grasslands, edges, and open woodlands.

Larvae feed on a range of herbaceous plants. Pierinae predominantly use Brassicaceae (mustards and allies), while Coliadinae larvae more often feed on Fabaceae and related families. Adults nectar at flowers and, in many species, males engage in puddling to obtain minerals.

The life cycle is that of a typical butterfly: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. Most species have multiple generations per year in warm climates, with single generations in cooler regions.

Conservation: Some Pieridae species are threatened by habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. They are often used as indicators of grassland and meadow health and are popular among butterfly watchers.