White Peacock

Found throughout the Southern United States, the White Peacock Butterfly (Anartia jatrophaeis) a fast and erratic flying tropical butterfly.

Adults of this species can often be found in open weedy areas, especially those near to retention ponds or waterways where the host plants become abundant. It is not uncommon to find small populations of this butterfly cruising the margins of a pond, all quite happy to live their whole life cycle out around that singular source of water and larval food. Males are very territorial and will fly off any intruders that happen into their several square feet of territory.

Females deposit their tiny green eggs on the undersides of larval hosts like Water Hyssop (Bacopa monnieri). The caterpillars are a dark charcoal grey to black in color with tiny dots of silvery white and are covered in branching spines. When threatened by a predator (or a keeper trying to move them to fresh food) the caterpillars arch sharply backward and often throw themselves from their host plant. If they land on muddy ground they are nearly impossible to see. If they land on water the branching spines on the larvae help them to float. The caterpillars will ride along the surface of the water until they can climb out on a bit of plant or at the water's edge.

The chrysalis are either bright green or black in color and blend almost perfectly into their surroundings. The pupae are sometimes made very close to the ground so at the adult butterflies emerge they may have to climb to a higher vantage point to begin pumping fluids through the veins in their wings, bringing their wings to full size.

These butterflies are truly gorgeous up close and when feeding often stay fairly still. If a White Peacock is nectaring at a cluster of buddleia or any other nectar plant with clumps of flowers they make a great photographic opportunity. Next time you head down to the edge of the water at a local park or walk past a retention pond, keep your eyes peeled for these little beauties.