Ganyra josephina


Ganyra josephina, the giant white, is a butterfly in the family Pieridae.

Subspecies

The following subspecies are recognized:
  • G. j. josephina - nominate subspecies
  • G. j. josepha
  • G. j. krugii
  • G. j. janeta
  • G. j. paramaryllis
The former subspecies Ganyra josephina menciae, the Cuban white, has been separated as its own species, ''Ganyra menciae.''

Distribution and habitat

It is found from southern Texas through Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America to northern South America. The habitat consists of open, dry, subtropical forests.

Description

The wingspan is. Adults are on wing from September to December in southern Texas. They feed on flower nectar from a variety of weeds and garden plants including Lantana, Eupatorium and Bougainvillea.
The larvae feed on older leaves of Capparidaceae species.