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Mustard white

Mustard white

Pieris oleracea

A species of Whites

Pieris oleracea larvae are yellow and shaped like cones, with vertical ridges. Larvae that are mature have many black spots with a green body, dark dorsal stripe, and short, dense hairs. The pupae can range in color from brown to white to green, and have dorsal and apical projections. There are two seasonal forms of the butterfly, one for spring and one for summer. Above the wings, the butterfly is entirely white, which a small patch of black scales at the tips of the wings. A feature that differentiates this species from other similar species is the green or yellow markings on the underside of the hind wings that run along the veins. In the spring, the green markings are very apparent, and can be seen from the top side of the wing. In the summer, the wing appears almost entirely white, as the markings on the underside of the wing and the black tips are fainter.

General Info About Mustard white
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Attributes of Mustard white
Colors
Brown
White
Habitat
prairie; stream; moist deciduous area; woodland; open field
Adult Food Sources
Aster flowers, goldenrod, phlox, buddleia (butterfly bush), zinnias
Larva Food Source
Brassica oleracea (kale, cabbage), brassica rapa (turnips), raphanus sativus (radish), brassica nigra (black mustard), armoracia rusticana (horseradish)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Mustard white is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Mustard white feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
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Species Status of Mustard white
It is native to a large part of Canada and the northeastern United States. Because of climate change, populations are moving further north.
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Distribution Area of Mustard white
A large part of Canada, the northeastern United States
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Appearance of Mustard white
The existence of the toxic A. petiolata is detrimental to the species, introduced into the United States in the 19th century. It is unclear to what degree it will remain a threat to the survival of this butterfly over time, due to potential adaption. This species of mustard plant contains the oviposition stimulant sinigrin. Females of this species react very strongly to sinigrin, especially when compared to similar species like P. rapae and P. virginiensis. In similar Pieridae species, sinigrin was found to negatively impact larval survival by affecting a pathway that transforms harmful substances into harmless ones.
With the increasing abundance of A. petiolata, there is concern about the potential adaption rate to what appears to be an incompatible, yet attractive to females, host plant. Studies were done in areas with and without garlic mustard, looking at female selection and larval survival success. One group of females were in an area where garlic mustard was widely established, and the other group was in an area where it was just recently introduced. Despite the fact that garlic mustard is non-native, females in the group with widespread garlic mustard showed an oviposition preference for it. The larvae in this group on the mustard plants had reduced survival rates than those on their normal native hosts. Females in the group with the newly introduced garlic mustard had a wide range in their selection of host plants, and the larval survival rates were also higher in general. Garlic mustard, however, creates monocultures due to its extreme success as an invasive species in the United States, where it lacks over seventy predators that occur in its native areas. This reduces food plant choice by pushing out the native mustards. When comparing the success rates of larvae on the garlic mustard between the two groups, the first group had higher survival success rates than the group with the newly introduced garlic mustard. The increasing selection of using A. petiolata may show an attempt by P. oleracea to adapt to this invasive species but the adaption may be too slow to compensate for the monoculture formation of the plant and the reduction of its host plants from human encroachment such as land development.
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How to Identify Mustard white?

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Life Cycle of Mustard white
Egg Mustard white begins life as an egg, which is often oval and tiny. The egg's color can vary, usually blending with the surrounding environment to avoid predation. Over time, the embryo inside develops, preparing to hatch.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva of mustard white emerges. It is worm-like, lacking wings, with a primary focus on feeding and growth. The color is often bright, with stripes or spots for defense. As it grows, it sheds its skin multiple times through molting.
Pupal After reaching size maturity, mustard white enters the pupal stage, encasing itself in a chrysalis. The creature inside undergoes a dramatic transformation. This stage is a resting phase, with significant internal reorganization, where tissues breakdown and adult features form.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult mustard white’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Mustard white
2.5 - 3 cm
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Predators of Mustard white Larvae
Birds, mammals like rodents, parasitoid wasps, predatory beetles
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Predators of Adult Mustard white
Birds, spiders, rodents, wasps, mantises
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Scientific Classification of Mustard white
Tips for Finding Mustard white
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How Can You Attract Mustard white
To attract mustard white, one can use bait traps with sweet substances such as overripe fruit or fermenting sugary solutions.
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Habitat Preferences of Mustard white Through Different Life Stages
For the eggs of mustard white, you would search on the undersides of leaves, ideally on host plants such as cabbage or mustard. Caterpillars of mustard white are found munching on cruciferous plants, camouflaging well with the greenery. The chrysalides hang from stems or leaves in a sheltered area, often nearby the feeding sites of the larval stage, while adults flutter through gardens, fields, and meadows where nectar sources and host plants are plentiful. To locate these stages, inspect the plants thoroughly, look for the nymphal forms on the leaves, and keep an eye on flowering plants.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Mustard white
The best time to find mustard white is during warm days particularly mid-morning to early afternoon when they are most active.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Mustard white
Warm, sunny, and calm weather conditions are ideal for locating mustard white as they are less active during cold or rainy weather.
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How and Where Can You Find Mustard white at Different Life Stages
Egg Mustard white eggs are typically laid on the underside of host plant leaves. To find them, inspect the leaves of known host plants for small, round, or oval eggs.
Larva Caterpillars of mustard white can often be found on the host plants, feeding on the leaves. Look for chewing damage on leaves or for the caterpillars themselves, which may be camouflaged.
Pupal To find mustard white pupae, search the host plants and surrounding vegetation for chrysalises, often attached to leaves or stems. They may also be on the ground in leaf litter.
Adult Adult mustard white are most commonly found in habitats such as meadows, gardens, and fields with an abundance of nectar-rich flowers. They can be observed feeding on these flowers, especially on sunny days.
Are Mustard white harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Mustard white
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Agricultural Pests

The larvae of mustard white are voracious feeders known to cause mild to severe damage to brassicas such as cabbage and broccoli by chewing plant tissues. Infested leaves display holes or are skeletonized, potentially leading to reduced crop yields. In severe infestations, plants can be completely defoliated, resulting in significant agricultural losses.

More Effects of Mustard white

Beneficial Effects of Mustard white
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Cabbage
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Mustard white is attracted to the flowers by their vibrant color and shape, often landing on cabbage family plants. While consuming pollen for nourishment, mustard white inadvertently collects pollen on its body, which is then transferred to other flowers, aiding in cross-pollination.
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