Italian marbled white
Common NameItalian marbled white
Scientific NameMelanargia arge
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Primary Colorswhite, black
HabitatDry grasslands, meadows, open woodland clearings, and rocky slopes
Geographic RangeCentral and Southern Italy
Host Plantsvarious grasses (Poaceae)
Flight PeriodMay to July
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on grass blades. The larvae feed on various grasses and overwinter as caterpillars before pupating in the spring.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its unique black and white marbled pattern on both upper and underside of the wings, with a prominent black spot (ocellus) near the apex of the forewing and a series of smaller ocelli on the hindwings.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with a distinctive black and white marbled pattern across its wings, featuring a prominent black eyespot on the forewing and several smaller ocelli on the hindwing.
