The Pine White is a graceful, slow-flying butterfly with white wings and delicate black veining that drifts ethereally through pine tree crowns in the West. In outbreak years caterpillars can defoliate large areas of pine forest. Adults rarely descend below the treetops except to nectar at flowers. The pale yellow female has orange-tipped hindwings.
Best time to see a Pine White
The best time to see a Pine White is July–August, when about 82% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 2,134 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Pine White? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
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