Peak White

Pontia callidice

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Male, July 2006

Female, Switzerland, June 2007

Female, Switzerland, June 2007

Switzerland, June 2005

Switzerland, June 2005

Mating pair, Switzerland, June 2002

Male, Switzerland, June 2002

The peak white is closely related to the Bath whites but unlikely to be confused with them. The underside has striking white chevrons, rather than the irregular patterns of the Bath white and the upperside of the male in particular has much less black at the apex of the forewing. Peak whites are also found much higher than Bath whites, being characteristic creatures of open terrain near glaciers. If you are walking high in the Alps, never dismiss a passing white as a 'small white sp' - always have a close look! The peak white is a very beautiful insect from close up and its beauty is surely missed by most people whose path it crosses.