Species Detail

Great Southern White

Ascia monuste (Linnaeus, 1764)

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Attributes of Ascia monuste

Family: Whites and Sulphurs (Pieridae)

Subfamily: Whites (Pierinae)

Identification: Upper surface of male forewing white with black zigzag pattern on outer margin. Dry season female form resembles male with heavier black zigzag pattern and a small black spot in the wing cell. Wet-season female is darkened with black scales above and below.

Life history: Males patrol for females. Eggs are laid on the upper surface of host plant leaves in groups of about 20.

Flight: All year in South Texas, peninsular Florida, and along the Gulf Coast.

Wing span: 2 1/2 - 3 3/8 inches (6.3 - 8.6 cm).

Caterpillar hosts: Mustard family (Brassicaceae) plants including beach cabbage (Cakile maritima), cultivated cabbage and radish, peppergrass (Lepidium species); and plants in the caper family (Capparidaceae) including nasturtium.

Adult food: Nectar from many species of flowers including saltwort, lantana, and verbena.

Habitat: Salt marshes, coastal dunes, open fields, and gardens.

Range: Resident of south Atlantic and Gulf coasts south through tropical America. Migratory along the Southeastern coast. Strays to Maryland, Kansas, and Colorado.

Conservation: Not usually required.

NatureServe Global Status: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.

Management needs: None noted.