Kingdom Animalia Class Insecta Family Pieridae Rank Species | Phylum Arthropoda Order Lepidoptera Genus Catasticta | |
Similar Catasticta, Eurema mexicana, Eurema dina, Ganyra josephina, Eurema proterpia | ||
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.
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.
The larvae feed on parasitic mistletoes, including Struthantus species and Phoradendron velutinum. They feed in groups. Pupae are found in groups on tree trunks and look like bird droppings.
Subspecies
The following subspecies are recognized: