• Butterflies
• Dragonflies
• Damselflies
• Tiger beetles
• Hike with Mike

• The butterflies:
• Whites and Sulphurs
  • Whites
  • Sulphurs
• Whites
  • Checkered White
  • Western White
  • Mustard White
  • West Virginia White
  • Cabbage White
  • Olympia Marble
  • Falcate Orangetip

Checkered White

(Pontia protodice)

The presence and abundance of the Checkered White varies greatly from year to year. Information about this species is not consistent. In Illinois (Bouseman and Sternburg) refer to this species as a migrant from farther south, that must replenish itself each year. In Wisconsin, (Ebner, 1970) seemed to think that it is a year round resident. Perhaps this species may be able to occasionally survive the Wisconsin winters, but also become replenished from farther south on a regular basis. I have only seen this species twice in Wisconsin. It is a very uncommon migrant but may become abundant once it enters the state. I saw them in 2006 about two miles west of Alma, WI and any white butterfly should be viewed to see if it might be this species.

Identifying characteristics: White butterfly with extensive black or brown markings. The female has much more extensive markings. Like the Mustard White, this species has a spring form that has dark, greenish veins beneath.

Similar species: The Cabbage White may be mistaken for a male Checkered White; look at the front wing tip and for a spot on the hind wing. If the front wing tip is solid black and there is a black spot on the hind wing it is a Cabbage White; notice the front wing tip, and the plain white hind wing of the male Checkered White above.

Habitat: Open fields and disturbed areas where mustards, the larval plant of this species occur.

Flight: They may have three or more generations in the south and they could be present in Wisconsin from May through October.

Abundance: This species may be able to survive a mild Wisconsin winter in the southern part of the state, but most likely occasional strays from farther south enter the state and are able to reproduce here, but the colonies do not persist.

Submit a Checkered White sighting »