White Peacock
Common NameWhite Peacock
Scientific NameAnartia jatrophae
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, brown, black, orange
HabitatOpen, sunny areas, gardens, disturbed sites, fields, roadsides, often near water.
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (Florida, Texas), Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, South America
Host PlantsBacopa monnieri, Ruellia caroliniensis, Phyla nodiflora, Blechum pyramidatum
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; March to November in the southern US
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are spiny, typically dark with lighter stripes or spots, and feed on various low-growing plants. The chrysalis is typically green or brown.
Identification TipsLook for the white wings with brown reticulated patterns and black spots, especially the row of spots on the hindwings and forewings. The orange-yellow band on the hindwing margin is also a key feature.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with predominantly white wings marked with intricate brown lines and several prominent black spots. The hindwings feature a distinctive orange-yellow band along the margin.
