Elodina parthia

Elodina parthia (Hewitson, 1853)
(one synonym : Pieris nivea)
Chalk White
PIERINAE , PIERIDAE

Don Herbison-Evans ( donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
&
Stella Crossley

(updated 13 July 2004)

The Caterpillar of this species is green with a white dorsal line, red spots on the thorax, and a forked tail. It feeds on various species of Capers ( Capparis, CAPPARACEAE ) including :

Australian Native Pomegranate ( Capparis arborea ),

Dog Caper ( Capparis canescens ), and

Capers ( Capparis spinosa ).

(Specimen: courtesy of the The Australian Museum)

The pupa is similarly coloured, and has a pointed head. It is attached to a leaf of the foodplant, and has a length of about 1.5 cms.

(Specimen: courtesy of the The Australian Museum)

The upper surfaces of the wings of the adult butterfly are white with dark brown wingtips. but the undersides are white with a yellow patch by the body. The butterfly has a wingspan of about 3.5 cms.

underside
(Specimen: courtesy of the The Australian Museum)

The species occurs in Queensland and New South Wales.