Desert Marble
Common NameDesert Marble
Scientific NameEuchloe lotta
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black
HabitatArid and semi-arid regions, deserts, rocky hillsides, canyons, open scrubland
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from southern British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and California
Host PlantsStreptanthus, Descurainia, Caulanthus, Sisymbrium, Brassica
Flight PeriodMarch to June
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the flower stalks or leaves of host plants. Larvae are typically green with yellow stripes, feeding on flowers and seed pods. Pupae are green or brown and often overwinter.
Identification TipsKey features include the overall white coloration with a distinct black rectangular spot on the forewing and black markings at the forewing tips. The dark, hairy thorax is also noticeable.
Description
This small white butterfly has a dark, hairy body and white wings. The forewings feature a prominent rectangular black discal spot and black scaling along the outer margin and apex.
