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| Great Southern White - Ascia monuste (Linnaeus, 1764 ) |
Click on image above to enlarge
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Family: Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)
Subfamily: Whites (Pierinae )
Identification: Upper surface of male forewing white with black zigzag pattern on outer margin. Dry season female form resembles male with heavier black zigzag pattern and a small black spot in the wing cell. Wet-season female is darkened with black scales above and below
Wing span: 2 1/2 - 3 3/8 inches (6.3 - 8.6 cm)
Life history: Males patrol for females. Eggs are laid on the upper surface of host plant leaves in groups of about 20
Habitat: Salt marshes, coastal dunes, open fields, and gardens
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Caterpillar hosts: Mustard family (Brassicaceae) plants including beach cabbage (Cakile maritima), cultivated cabbage and radish, peppergrass (Lepidium species); and plants in the caper family (Capparidaceae) including nasturtium
Adult food: Nectar from many species of flowers including saltwort, lantana, and verbena
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Range: Resident of south Atlantic and Gulf coasts south through tropical America. Migratory along the Southeastern coast. Strays to Maryland, Kansas, and Colorado.
50006
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