Marbled White
Common NameMarbled White
Scientific NameMelanargia galathea
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorswhite, black
HabitatMeadows, grasslands, chalk downlands, open woodlands, road verges
Geographic RangeEurope, North Africa, parts of Asia Minor
Host PlantsFestuca spp. (fescues), Bromus spp. (brome grasses), Poa spp. (meadow-grasses), Dactylis glomerata (cock's-foot), Phleum pratense (timothy-grass)
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on grass stems or dropped into the sward. Larvae feed on various grasses and overwinter as small caterpillars. Pupation occurs on the ground among grass.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its unique black and white marbled wing pattern, which is visible on both upper and undersides. Its slow, floppy flight is also a characteristic feature.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly characterized by its distinctive black and white checkered or marbled pattern on both upper and undersides of the wings, often with small eyespots on the underside.
