Diet

• Caterpillars: Feed on plants in several families, particularly caper family (Capparaceae) and Putranjivaceae.

• The caterpillars are relatively shade-loving and typically feed at night or during cloudy weather, while larger larvae may remain concealed among the foliage during daylight.

• Adults: Take nectar from a wide variety of flowers, including Lantana, Eupatorium, Ageratum, and other flowering plants. They may also obtain nutrients from animal dung.

Range

• The Florida White has a broad Neotropical distribution from southern Florida, Mexico, and Central America through the Caribbean and into northern and central South America, reaching Brazil and Peru.

• Guerrero is within its range, and it occurs in warm tropical environments of western Mexico.

• It is found in the Zihua area, particularly in forested and semi-open habitats where its larval host plants occur.

Habitat

• Primarily associated with tropical lowland and foothill forest, including evergreen and semideciduous woodland, forest edges, clearings, and gardens.

• Adults are extremely fast fliers and may move rapidly through forest openings and along edges while searching for flowers or mates.

Description

• A medium-sized white butterfly with a wingspan of approximately 44–77 mm, although individuals around 55–60 mm are typical.

• The male is predominantly pure white above and below, with a narrow dark line along the forewing leading edge.

• Females are more variable. One form is nearly all white, while another has a black forewing apex and darker marginal markings, sometimes accompanied by a yellowish or orange area on the upper hindwing.

• The underside is generally white, with a characteristic yellowish area toward the basal forewing.

• The antenna clubs are notably white, an excellent field characteristic.