Pieridae

The Pieridae family comprises over 1,100 species found worldwide, with a notable presence in tropical and subtropical regions. These butterflies are characterized by their predominantly white, yellow, or orange wings often marked with black spots or patterns. The Pieridae are medium-sized butterflies, and they play significant ecological roles as pollinators. Key species include the Cabbage White (Pieris rapae), which is widespread and often found in gardens and agricultural areas, and the Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice), known for its vibrant yellow wings. The caterpillars of Pieridae butterflies typically feed on plants from the mustard family (Brassicaceae) and legumes (Fabaceae), making some species notable agricultural pests.

Fun Fact: members of this family exhibit fascinating behaviors, including hilltopping, where males congregate at the tops of hills to find mates.