Pontia sisymbrii nigravenosa

Spring White

This desert subspecies has darker markings along the veins below and bolder, broader dark markings on the dorsal side. It was named in the 1998 Systematics book by Austin and Emmel. It is described from the Spring Range in Nevada, but is in the southeastern Mojave desert of California as well. Ken Davenport, in his update of the Emmels' book, has two records from California: Granite Pass on Kelbaker Road (on the west side of the Providence Mountains), and Bonanza King Mine Canyon, on the east side of the Providence Mountains where I photographed the first butterfly below.

Photo of Pontia sisymbrii nigravenosa
Pontia sisymbrii nigravenosa in the Providence Mountains near Mitchell Caverns, within the Mojave National Preserve. March 22, 2020.
Photo of Pontia sisymbrii nigravenosa
This one was along the Teutonia Peak Trail near Cima, also in the Mojave National Preserve. March 3, 2020.

©Dennis Walker