Ascia monuste, Great Southern White

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Freshly emerged male

Description: 23-32 mm. Males are white on dorsal side with black outer margin on hindwing and forewing. Ventral side hindwing is cream colored. Base color of the females is variable Some are white, varying to dark gray with a black outer margin and a black spot in the forewing. This species has a bright blue tip to the antennae

Habitat and Distribution: This is a common species in many habitats throughout the Keys. 

Host Plant: limber caper (Capparis flexuosa), pepper grass (Lepidium virginicum) 

Natural History: This species has seasonal outbreaks in populations. Theearly Spring is usually a time of year when the populations seam to explode although they are present in every month.

Eggs

Final instar larva

Final instar larva

Chrysalis

Freshly emerged male

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