Great Southern White

Great Southern White is a large white butterfly common in the extreme southern US. It sometimes strays north and is accidental in North Carolina. This butterfly is common in coastal areas where its lazy, low flight may visit a garden near you.

The wingspan is 63-86 mm. Adults are on wing all year round in southern Texas, peninsular Florida and along the Gulf Coast. Great Southern White is an example of a migrating species which moves in one direction within its life-span and does not return. It breeds in Florida but sometimes migrates along the coast up to 160 kilometers to breed in more suitable areas.

The larvae of Great Southern White, feed on Brassicaceae (including Cakile maritima, cultivated cabbage and radish and Lepidium species) and plants in the Capparidaceae family, including nasturtium. Adults feed on nectar from various flowers including saltwort, lantana and verbena. It is a sporadic pest of crucifer vegetables in southern Texas.

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