Whites and Sulphurs (family Pieridae) belong to a large butterfly family that includes about 76 genera and 1,100 species. These medium-sized butterflies are known for their bright colors, typically yellow, orange, or white wings marked with black spots on the forewings. Wing patterns vary widely between species, and males and females often show different spot patterns.
Twelve species of Whites and Sulphurs can be found in Tennessee. Click the links below to view photos, discover interesting facts, and explore the host and nectar plants used by each species.
Whites:
- Cabbage White (Pieris rapae)
- Checkered White (Pontia protodice)
- Falcate Orangetip (Anthocharis midea)
- Olympia Marble (Euchloe olympia)
- West Virginia White (Pieris virginiensis)
Sulphurs & Yellows:
- Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice)
- Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae)
- Dainty Sulphur (Nathalis iole)
- Little Yellow (Eurema lisa)
- Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme)
- Sleepy Orange (Eurema nicippe)
- Southern Dogface (Zerene cesonia)