Description

The Mustard White (Pieris oleracea) is a delicate butterfly with pale white wings, lightly veined in gray, and sometimes faintly tinged with yellow, typically found in moist woodlands, meadows, and along forest edges across northern and eastern North America, where it is closely associated with mustard family plants. There are two forms: Spring form has dark veins on the hindwing below, and summer form is pure white.

Range

Northern 2/3rd of the state

Similar Species

Cabbage White is similar but has black spots and black wing tips which are lacking on Mustard White in both forms.

Host Plants

Peppergrass (Lepidium spp.), Wild Mustard (Sinapis arvensis), Cresses (Cardamine spp.)

Flight

Overwinters in chrysalis, and can emerge as early as March and can fly until October (depending on the weather)