Pieridae: Dismorphiinae

06966 Wood White Leptidea sinapis, (Linnaeus, 1758)

BF1541 (ABH58.001)

sinapis-juvernica. Redwall Reserve, Western Rhodopi Mtns., 9th June 2011.
sinapis-juvernica. Redwall Reserve, Western Rhodopi Mtns., 9th June 2011.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
sinapis-juvernica. Redwall Reserve, Western Rhodopi Mtns., 9th June 2011.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
 2010-2016
 2017
 2018
 2019
Western Stara Planina, 6th July 2014.
Western Stara Planina, 6th July 2014.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Zabardo, Western Rhodopi Mountains, 22nd June 2015. Male.
Zabardo, Western Rhodopi Mountains, 22nd June 2015. Male.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Petrovo, SW Bulgaria. 03-07-2023. Group
Petrovo, SW Bulgaria. 03-07-2023. Group "puddling" on something tasty!
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies


General Information

This appears to be a very widespread, common and frequently encountered species in Bulgaria. However it's sibling species the Cryptic Wood White (Leptidea juvernica) also occurs in Bulgaria and generally it is not possible to separate the two species with any degree of certainty in the field, and genitalia examination (or DNA analysis) is required to separate the two species. However some of the specimens we have encountered at moderate altitudes we have more or less convinced ourselves are the latter species! (See page for Cryptic Wood White).

 

A third species that occurs n Bulgaria, the Eastern Wood White (L. duponcheli), and can be spearated from both the Wood White and the Cryptic Wood White in the field. See the Eastern Wood White page for ID features.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.

Wingspan: 36-48mm
Foodplant(s): Meadow Vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis), Bitter-vetch (Vicia ervilia), Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca), peas (Pisum spp.)
Flying: Two generations, late May-July and August
UK Presence: Resident

Habitat

Tall grassland and light scrub in shaded or edge habitats.

Regional Information

Recorded in 40 (2.1%) of the 1900 10km squares of Bulgaria.

Last recorded in July 2016

Recorded date range (Adult): 06 June to 17 July

Similar Species
Osogovska Planina, W Bulgaria, 8h July 2013
Osogovska Planina, W Bulgaria, 8h July 2013
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Cryptic Wood White Leptidea juvernica
Slavyanka foothills, SW Bulgaria, 4th May 2014. 1st generation.
Slavyanka foothills, SW Bulgaria, 4th May 2014. 1st generation.
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Eastern Wood White Leptidea duponcheli


Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Wrinkled
Colours:
Green, yellow, white
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5