• Butterflies
• Dragonflies
• Damselflies
• Tiger beetles
• Hike with Mike

• The butterflies:
• Whites and Sulphurs
  • Whites
  • Sulphurs
• Whites
  • Checkered White
  • Western White
  • Mustard White
  • West Virginia White
  • Cabbage White
  • Olympia Marble
  • Falcate Orangetip

Mustard White

(Pieris napi)

The Mustard White occurs throughout northern Wisconsin, but becomes increasingly less common to the south. The larval stages feed on a variety of plants from the mustard family, but unlike the Cabbage White that feeds on domesticated plants, this species feeds mainly on native species. In Waushara County it most common in areas where Water Cress grows.

Identifying characteristics: Above, this species is a plain white butterfly with no dark spots. Below, the summer form is solid white (top photo), but the spring form (last four photos)has darked veins beneath and often has a yellowish tinge to the hindwing and forewing tip. Note

Similar species: A very worn Cabbage White may have very faded dark spots and markings and be mistaken for a Mustard White. The West Virginia White is very similar but has very diffused, lighter veining on the hindwing below, and rarely has a yellowish tinge to the hindwing below.

Habitat: Mainly moist woodlands where a variety of mustards, their host plants occur.

Flight: This species has two broods. The first flies in late April through early June, and the second flies through July and early August.

Abundance: Found throughout the northern half of the state and less commonly farther south. This species can become fairly common where it is found.

Recent Mustard White Sightings

Date seen	County	Reported by
Wednesday	Portage	Wayne Anderson
05–06–2008	Waushara	Mike Reese, David Reese
04–27–2008	Waushara	Mike Reese

Early Mustard White sightings, all years

Date seen	County	Reported by
04–17–2006	Shawano	dennis llewellyn
04–17–2006	Shawano	Dennis Llewellyn
04–18–2006	Shawano	dennis llewellyn
04–26–2006	Shawano	Dennis Llewellyn
04–27–2008	Waushara	Mike Reese
04–29–2007	Walworth	Eric Howe

Submit a Mustard White sighting »