The great southern white butterfly is always a welcome sight in the garden. The pepperweed started popping up everywhere, its host plant, which was followed by an influx of the butterflies, and my favorite – eggs, then caterpillars!
We had 24 butterflies emerge in our butterfly house during the month of March.
The great southern white butterfly has had a very successful last couple of days in the butterfly house. We’ve had one emerge daily, with today being the most at six. My favorite part of this butterfly are the tips of the antennas. Look at that turquoise. Breathtaking.
This species is definitely in an abundance in and around the garden with lots of pepperweed for it to lay eggs on, and lately enjoy the red penta.
The Great Southern White butterflies have returned to the garden. I have noticed them almost daily now hovering and landing on their host plant, Virginia peppergrass (pepperweed). This plant grows freely all over the yard. It probably started pushing through the dirt last month. The best part, it is now growing in numerous places in my designated, safe space, garden area.
The female, which can be a dirty to gray, white coloring, with black forewing apex, and a black forewing cell spot, have sure been busy. The female lays yellow, spindle-shaped eggs, either single, or in clusters. The photographs, below, show the eggs in clusters.
My favorite distinction of this butterfly is the amazing turquoise antennal clubs. They are absolutely stunning. The wingspan of this butterfly ranges from 45 to 58 mm.
