The Whites and Sulphurs butterflies, (family Pieridae) have a large family consisting of about 76 genera as well as 1100 species that are medium in size. The bright coloration of most members of this group make them appear increasingly appealing. Most butterflies belonging to this family have a yellow, orange, or white body with spots of black on their forewings. However, the difference in wing patterns may vary according to the species. The spots and patterns vary in males and females.
There are twelve species of Whites and Sulphurs found in Tennessee. Click on the links below for pictures, facts, and a list of host and nectar plants for each species of Whites and Sulphurs butterflies.
- Checkered White (Pontia protodice)
- West Virginia White (Pieris virginiensis)
- Cabbage White (Pieris rapae)
- Olympia Marble (Euchloe olympia)
- Falcate Orangetip (Anthocharis midea)
- Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice)
- Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme)
- Southern Dogface (Zerene cesonia)
- Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae)
- Little Yellow (Eurema lisa)
- Sleepy Orange (Eurema nicippe)
- Dainty Sulphur (Nathalis iole)