Catasticta nimbice

Catasticta nimbice, the pine white or Mexican dartwhite, is a butterfly in the family Pieridae. It is found from Costa Rica north to Mexico. Rare strays can be found as far north as the Chisos Mountains of western Texas.[2]

Catasticta nimbice
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Lepidoptera
Family:
Pieridae
Genus:
Catasticta
Species:
C. nimbice
Binomial name
Catasticta nimbice
(Boisduval, 1836)[1]
Synonyms
  • Euterpe nimbice Boisduval, [1836]
  • Euterpe ochracea Bates, 1864
  • Catasticta nimbice bryson Röber, 1908 (preocc. Godman & Salvin, 1889)
  • Catasticta bryson Godman & Salvin, [1889]

The wingspan is 45–57 mm (1.8–2.2 in). The upperside is creamy tan with thick black veins. There is a wide black outer margin surrounding the cream-colored spots. Males perch and patrol for females. Adults are on wing year round in Mexico. They have been recorded feeding on nectar from Fuscia, Lantana and Senecio species in Costa Rica.[2]

The larvae feed on parasitic mistletoes, including Struthantus species[1] and Phoradendron velutinum. They feed in groups. Pupae are found in groups on tree trunks and look like bird droppings.[2]

Subspecies

The following subspecies are recognized:[1]

  • Catasticta nimbice nimbice (Mexico)
  • Catasticta nimbice ochracea (Bates, 1864) (Guatemala)
  • Catasticta nimbice bryson Godman & Salvin, [1889] (Costa Rica, Panama)
  • Catasticta nimbice ligata Eitschberger & Racheli, 1998 (Panama)

References
  1. Catasticta, Site of Markku Savela
  2. Butterflies and Moths of North America


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