New and revised descriptions of the immature stages of some butterflies in Sri Lanka and their larval food plants (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). Part 2: Subfamily Pierinae (in part)

Abstract

The immature stages of 14 species in the subfamily Pierinae out of the 28 species of Pieridae in Sri Lanka and their larval food plants are presented. Ten species including three endemic subspecies are documented for the first time. The remaining four species including one endemic subspecies are compared to prior descriptions and additional observations are presented. Previously reported larval food plants are confirmed and new ones identified. This study provides some base information needed for conservation management programs for butterflies in Sri Lanka and for further studies on the biology of these species. Identification notes are given forCapparis zeylanicaandCapparis brevispina, two important larval food plants, which have frequently been misidentified in the literature.