About Pontia protodice (Boisduval & Leconte, 1830)
This species has the scientific name Pontia protodice (Boisduval & Leconte, 1830). The upperside of its wings is white, marked with black and gray; this dark marking is more extensive on females than on males. The underside of the hindwings has extensive yellow-brown markings along the veins. Its wingspan ranges from 1.25–1.75 inches (3.2–4.4 cm). In pre-adult stages, the egg is orange. Mature larvae are bluish green to gray with black dots, and have yellow dorsal, lateral, and sublateral stripes. The pupa, which ranges in color from blue-gray to cream, overwinters. Pontia protodice is most common in the southern United States and parts of northern Mexico. It occasionally occurs in the northern United States and southern Canada. It is absent from the Pacific Northwest and New England, though populations have become increasingly erratic in areas just east of the Appalachians. This species is most widespread in late summer and autumn, rather than earlier in the season. It inhabits open areas, including desert, plains, and disturbed sites. Almost any dry, disturbed open area such as vacant lots, railroad corridors, airports, dry grassland, deserts, and cities can serve as habitat. Populations may also sometimes occur in sparsely wooded areas, grasslands, and meadows within prairie and parkland regions, usually in sites without heavy shade. Although this butterfly occupies a broad range of environments, it can be absent from some counties for many consecutive years at a time.
