Elodina padusa

Elodina padusa (Hewitson, 1853)
(one synonym : Pieris nivea)
Narrow-Winged Pearl White
PIERINAE , PIERIDAE

Don Herbison-Evans ( donherbisonevans@yahoo.com )
&
Stella Crossley

(updated 13 July 2004)

The Caterpillar of this species is green with brown marks, and a yellowish dorsal line. It has paired projections on the mesothorax, metathorax, and abdominal segments two and eight. It grows to a length of about 2 cms. It rests along the edge of a leaf of its foodplant, which is one of various species of : Capers ( Capparis, CAPPARACEAE ) including :

Dog Caper ( Capparis canescens ), and

Australian Native Orange ( Capparis mitchellii ).

(Specimen: courtesy of the The Australian Museum)

The pupa is attached to a leaf of the foodplant. It is green with white marks, and a pointed head. It has a length of about 2 cms.

(Specimen: courtesy of the The Australian Museum)

The upper surfaces of the wings of the adult butterfly are white with black wingtips. but the undersides are white with grey wingtips. The butterfly has a wingspan of about 4 cms.

underside
(Specimen: courtesy of the The Australian Museum)

The species occurs across the central latitudes of Australia, including Victoria, and South Australia.