Checkered white butterfly
ExplorePontia protodice
Type: invertebrate
Status:
Species Guide
Checkered white butterfly
Pontia protodice
Species Type: invertebrate
Conservation Status:
Identification
Adult checkered whites reach sizes of 1.75 in.-2.4 in. (44-62 mm). Sexes are similar and have a chalky white base color on the wings. There are black spots on the upper surface of the wings. On males they are restricted to forewings, but extend onto the hindwings in females. The number of spots differs between the sexes. A characteristic black patch exists along the bottom front margin of the forewing in both sexes of checkered whites. The under surface of the hindwing is a solid off-white color.
Distribution & Habitat
Distribution and Habitat
They can be found throughout all of the southern United States. New Jersey is located at the northern extent of their range.
Checkered whites are mainly restricted to open areas such as savannas, old fields, vacant lots, and power line right-of-ways, checkered whites can sometimes be found along forest edges (especially in the spring).
Diet
Diet
Checkered whites use various species of mustards (Cruciferae) and peppergrasses (Lepidium) as host plants. Adults will nectar on a variety of species that include red clover, ironweed, dogbane, Canada thistle, and asters.
Life Cycle
Life Cycle
Adults can be seen flying throughout the breeding season from mid- to late-July into October in New Jersey.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Pieridae
- Genus: Pontia
- Species: P. protodice