Real's Wood White

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iReal's Wood White

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Pieridae
Genus: Leptidea
Species: L. reali
Binomial name
Leptidea reali

The Real's Wood White (Leptidea reali) is a butterfly of the Pieridae family.

[edit] Appearance, behaviour and distribution

This butterfly was only identified as occurring in the UK in 2001 and has so far only been positively identified in Ireland where it is commoner and far more widespread than the Wood White Leptidea sinapis. Since it looks and behaves like its close relative further research is needed to discover its true distribution, indeed on the continent its current known distribution is suspiciously patchy. The only conclusive way to separate the two species is by close examination of the genitalia.

[edit] Lifecycle and foodplants

The lifecycle, flight period and foodplants appear at present to be similar to the Wood White.

[edit] References

David Tomlinson & Rob Sill Britain's Butterflies Wild Guides