Read about related Lepidoptera by using the "Forward" and "Backward" device icons. The butterfly members of this Order of insects include the popular and usually colorful species. Butterfly groups include monarchs, satyrs, dagerwings, leaf-wings, owls, buckeyes, admirals, checkerspots, crecents, fritillaries, heliconids, riodinids, blues, hairstreaks, coppers, whites, orange-tips, sulphurs and swallowtails.

Western White Peiris callidice Lepidoptera Pieridae Very similar to the checkered white, western whites are found in the north west rather than the southern states. Wing markings vary throughout the year and between male and females. In fact, these butterflies use the ultraviolet portion of the spectrum to distinguish between males and females. Males wing scales absorb UV light whereas female wings reflect UV. Although males patrol for females, female are known to approach males. This specimen was sipping a nectar breakfast in an alpine meadow in Northern California. View the Index of Orders View Complete Photo List Ants, Bees & Wasps Butterflies & Moths Flies Beetles Lacewings & Antlions Leafhoppers & Cicadas True Bugs Cockroaches Praying Mantids Grasshoppers, Crickets Walking Sticks Dragonflies & Damselflies Mayflies Non-Insects