Which family is known as Whites and sulfurs and often has ultraviolet patterns for mating?

Which family is known as Whites and sulfurs and often has ultraviolet patterns for mating?

• A. Papilionidae
• B. Pieridae
• C. Nymphalidae
• D. Hesperiidae

Answer: (B)

The Whites and sulfurs are a group within the butterfly family Pieridae. This family is famous for wing colors that are white (whites) or yellow (sulfurs), with many species showing UV-reflective patterns on their wings. Those UV patterns aren’t visible to us, but they are used in mating, helping males and females recognize each other and select mates under sunlight. The other families—such as swallowtails, brush-footed butterflies, and skippers—have different common names and typical color patterns, so they aren’t described as Whites and sulfurs.

The Whites and sulfurs are a group within the butterfly family Pieridae. This family is famous for wing colors that are white (whites) or yellow (sulfurs), with many species showing UV-reflective patterns on their wings. Those UV patterns aren’t visible to us, but they are used in mating, helping males and females recognize each other and select mates under sunlight. The other families—such as swallowtails, brush-footed butterflies, and skippers—have different common names and typical color patterns, so they aren’t described as Whites and sulfurs.