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West Virginia White (Pieris virginiensis)
Vulnerable Worldwide and Vulnerable Locally (S3).
ID confirmed. A rare find! I had two of them fluttering around my muddy boots, hoping to nectar on both me and the mud I had picked up. It was hard to get any good shots, but I plan on going back down to the valley for a look (and hopefully some better photos).
This species is on the rapid decline due to forest/habitat fragmentation. According to BugGuide, "The introduction of the non-native garlic mustard Alliaria petiolata endangers this butterfly that sometimes lays its eggs on it but the caterpillars find it indigestible."
''Pieris virginiensis'', the West Virginia white, is a butterfly found in North America in the Great Lakes states, along the Appalachians from New England to Alabama, and in southern Ontario. They are typically found in moist deciduous forests. Forestry, development, and a highly-invasive species that it confuses with its host plant are causing this species to decline.
comments (2)
It was a beautiful experience (even before I knew what they were). I don't think I've ever been around such "friendly" butterflies. :) Posted 4 years ago