Large Marble (Euchloe ausonides [Lucas])
Wing span: 1 1/2 - 2 inches (3.8 - 5.1 cm).
Identification: Scattered white scales in forewing black bar. Black pattern on tip of upperside of forewing. Dense green marbling on underside of hindwing.
Life history: Males patrol valleys and hillsides for females. Eggs are laid singly on unopened flower buds; caterpillars eat flowers and fruits. Chrysalids hibernate.
Flight: One in the north, May-July; two in central California, February-April and May-August.
Caterpillar hosts: Plants of the mustard (Brassicaceae) family including rockcress (Arabis drummondi), dyer's woad (Isatis tinctoria), mustards (Brassica species), and hedge mustard (Sisymbrium species).
Adult food: Nectar from flowers of the mustard family and other plants such as fiddleneck (Amsinckia) and brodiaeas.
Habitat: Valleys, hillsides, fields, meadows, and other open sunny areas.
Range: Alaska south to central California and northern New Mexico, east to southwest Manitoba and northern Minnesota.
