Male Checkered WhiteEnlarge

MaleEnlarge	FemaleEnlarge

 

Checkered White (Pontia protodice)

The Checkered White butterfly glides quickly and unevenly through a garden like the pulse of an excited child. Its gleaming white wings will surely catch your attention and highlight the colors in your butterfly garden. The male Checkered White has an almost entirely white wing, peppered with brown-black spots on the top half of his wing. The female’s wings have more dark patterns on their wings to help them attract males, but are still predominantly white. You may also notice dark green veins on the underside of the wings. Like snowflakes in the summer, the ghostly white glimmer of the Checkered White Butterfly will captivate both the casual onlooker and seasoned butterfly expert.

Family: Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)

Subfamily: White (Pierinae)

Average Wingspan: 1 1/2" - 2 1/2"

Habitat: Fields, weedy places, road edges

Plants That Attract This Butterfly

• Nectar Plants (What is this?)
  Hibiscus, Lantana, Cardinal Flower
  
• Host Plants (What is this?)
  Passion Flowers, Milk Vetch*

* May not be available for purchase at your local nursery.

Note: Always check a plant's Hardiness Zone to make sure it will grow in your area. (What Is My Hardiness Zone?)

Where To Buy Plants

Butterfly Flight Range Map

Photo Credits:
Male (open wing) - Patty Bigner
Male (closed wing) - Patty Bigner
Female (open wing) - Patty Bigner