Anartia jatrophae – White Peacock
Family: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae) Subfamily: True Brushfoots
Wing span: 2 – 2 3/4 inches
Larval plants: – Water hyssop (Bacopa), Fogfruit, Ruellia
Eggs are pale yellow, laid on various host plants including ruellia and water hyssop. Caterpillars are black and spiny, with silver spots. Chrysalis green, darkening with age.
Flight: Throughout the year. We sometimes take them for granted but most of the rest of the country does not get this beautiful butterfly.
Habitat: Open, moist areas such as edges of ponds and streams, along shallow ditches, weedy fields, parks.
The White Peacock flies year-round except in very cold weather. They are not cold tolerant. They sip flower nectar and are attracted to Spanish needles in particular. They have a low gliding flight – they can remain active into the early evening after most other species have roosted.
Butterflies from Beverly Bowen
