February: Butterfly of the Month
Mustard White (Pieris napi)
The straggly gooseberry (Ribes sp) that was showing buds at the end of last month is now blooming in the understory of oak woodlands. Also in bloom is the milkmaid (dentaria ) next to downed logs or in low spots in the woods. Here is where you'll find the Mustard White, a small (1 1/2 - 1 5/8 inches --32-41 mm) butterfly, pale white on top with charcoal markings. When perched, it shows the gray veins on its underwing. Another good field mark is the bright yellow area at the base of the underhindwing costa. (The costa is the thickened leading edge of the butterfly wing.) Host plants for the green caterpillars are cresses and mustard-family species like dentaria. The Mustard White flies from February to May with two or three broods a year.
Other species to look for this month: Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) , Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta ) , California Buckeye (Coenonympha californic.a) and Sara Orange Tip (Anthocharis sara).
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