Butterfly Families
(Page 2 of 4)
Whites and Sulphurs
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These medium-size butterflies with wingspans from 1 to 3
inches can be found in gardens, fields and disturbed areas.
Whites, which may have greenish marbling on the undersides
of their wings, lay eggs on mustards (Brassica). They are
strong fliers but do not wander. The cabbage white is the
most common white, and its caterpillar is a common pest of
cabbage and broccoli plants. Sulphurs, named for their
yellow coloration, may disperse in large numbers in the
fall — perhaps as a response to a sudden population
boom. Both male and female sulphurs are avid puddlers
(sipping minerals from wet soil; see tip No. 7, Page 66).
Their caterpillars feed on legumes such as alfalfas
(Medicago) and clovers (Trifolium).
Coppers, Blues and Hairstreaks
Known as gossamer wings, the butterflies in this family are
tiny, with wingspans from seven-eighths to 2 inches, and
have iridescent wings. As color distinctions can blur, a
field guide is useful: There is a blue copper, and many
female blues are coppery in hue. Hairstreaks are named for
a hairlike tail on each hindwing. Near the tail, they often
have an eyespot, creating the impression of a head with
antennae. They rub their hindwings together to confuse
predators into attacking that end. All rest with their
wings closed. Tiny, sluglike caterpillars of blues and
hairstreaks may associate with ants, which protect them in
exchange for protein-rich secretions. They often pupate in
leaf litter and may overwinter in this stage.
Swallowtails
Colorful and large, with wingspans of up to 5 1/2 inches,
swallowtails glide into your garden seeking nectar from a
variety of flowers. They often flutter their wings while
feeding, perhaps as a means of keeping balance. Their
hindwings have tails that distract predators into attacking
their rear rather than their more vulnerable head. Male
swallowtails engage in puddling and hilltopping (swooping
over a ridge to investigate territory and seek mates). The
caterpillars may resemble bird droppings or have fake
eyespots behind their heads. Many caterpillars have an
osmeterium, a forked organ behind the head that emits a
foul odor when the caterpillar is threatened. Most
swallowtails overwinter as a ridged green or brown
chrysalis attached to a tree or building with one strand of
silk.
