This species is another member of the Leptidea genus occuring in eastern Europe which is hard to separate from the Wood White. The primary identifying feature is a small pointed ‘hook’ just under the apex of the forewing, something which is much more noticeable in the spring brood. It is also almost exclusively a woodland dweller, being found beside forest tracks and along woodland margins whereas the Wood White can be seen in more open areas. I believe the photographed specimen is a Fenton’s Wood White based on the angled wing, as well as the fact that I found it along a woodland track where Lathyrus niger grew; prime habitat for this species.

Distribution: Eastern Europe, from Slovenia to Ukraine, through Croatia, Serbia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova, as well as Slovakia, Poland and eastern Czech Republic.

Flight Period: April-July in two broods.

Habitat: Woodland edges and clearings, lightly wooded steppe, damp forest glades.

Foodplants: Primarily Black Pea (Lathyrus niger), but also Spring Pea (Lathyrus vernus)and Hallerstein’s Vetch (Lathyrus hallersteinii ).

Nectar Sources: Not an avid nectar feeder, but will sometimes feed on dandelions (Taraxacum), vetches (Vicia), forget-me-nots (Myosotis) and small umbellifers (Umbelliferae).

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