(Linnaeus, 1758)
Bath White
Description:
The Bath White complex has recently been split into two species, the Bath White (P. daplidice) and the Eastern Bath White (P. edusa). However, these two species cannot be distinguished in the field. Their life cycles are also very similar. The adult butterflies are very variable in appearance, not only in their markings, but also in their size. They are very mobile, fast flying and migrate northwards and westwards in warm years. They occur in warm, stony places; often disturbed ground, such as road verges, abandoned agricultural land or quarries.
The females lay their eggs on such crucifers as mustards (Sinapis spp.), Alyssum spp., and also on mignonettes (Reseda ssp.). The caterpillars feed mainly on the flowers and seeds. Pupation takes place on the stalk of the food plant.
These species have two or more broods a year.
Habitat:
Fallow land and waste places
Dry siliceous grasslands
Dry calcareous grasslands
Mesophile grasslands
Similar species:
Pontia callidice
Pontia chloridice