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Species Detail
Becker's White
Pontia beckerii (W.H. Edwards, 1871)
Attributes of Pontia beckeriiFamily: Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae) Subfamily: Whites (Pierinae) Identification: Upperside of both male and female is white, with black spots near tip of forewing. Inside the forewing cell is a square black bar with a curved white center. The underside of the hindwing of both sexes has wide green edging along the veins, confined by a white median band. Life history: Males patrol ravines in search of females. Females lay eggs singly on host stems, buds, leaves, flowers, and fruits. Flight: Several flights from March-October. Wing span: 1 5/8 - 2 inches (4 - 5 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Plants of mustard (Brassicaceae) family including mustards (Brassica), and hedge mustard (Sisymbrium) species; and bladder-pod (Isomeris arborea) in the caper family (Capparidaceae). Adult food: Flower nectar including hedge mustard and alfalfa. Habitat: Arid brushlands, desert foothills and canyons, fields. Range: British Columbia and Alberta south to Baja California; east of the Cascades and Sierra Nevada, east and south to western Montana and New Mexico. Conservation: Not required. NatureServe Global Status: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Management needs: None required. | Documented Records for Pontia beckerii
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