Checkered White
Pontia protodice (Boisduval & Le Conte, [1830])
Family: Pieridae
Status: Common resident
NENHP Ranking: Not listed
Range: The Checkered White is an overwintering resident in the southern half of the United States, but strays north into Canada on a regular basis. It occurs statewide in Nebraska.
Larval Hostplant(s): A wide variety of crucifers are fed upon including various Mustards (Arabis, Brassica, Descurania and Sisymbrium species), Winter, Hoary and Penny Cress (Barbarea vulgaris, Cardaria draba and Thlaspi arvense), Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa–pastoris), and Peppergrasses (Lepidium species). Ornamental Alissum is utilized as well.
Broods/Flight Times: Multiple flights from March to November.
Overwintering: As pupae
Habitat: As a wide-ranging colonizer this butterfly can occur anywhere, but favors disturbed weedy areas where its hostplants thrive.
Avg. Wingspan: 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 inches
Found at:
Similar Species: Spring and Western Whites
Notes:
Checkered White, Sarpy County, J. Nikkila
