Pieridae : Pierinae
Ascia monuste (Fabricius, 1775)
Great Southern White
Ascia monuste (Fabricius, 1775)
Great Southern White
Description and Similar Species: Wingspan 60-70mm. Sexes similar though the females have more black markings on both upper and undersides. In the field the best diagnostic character is the bright blue tips to the antennae. A greyish form from the USA (dark grey in females) is sometimes seen and some males have a bright buff colour on the underside.
Range: Throughout North and South America and all the Caribbean Islands.
Status: Widespread and common throughout Cuba, and the migration of thousands of individuals is sometimes observed especially along the north and south coasts traveling east (Hernandez).
Nectar Plants: Many different flowers and can also be seen, sometimes in large numbers, on damp ground and on dung.
Larval Foodplants: Several plants in the genera Brassica, Cleome, Armoracia, Lobularia, Carica, Raphanus and Tropaeolum.
Range: Throughout North and South America and all the Caribbean Islands.
Status: Widespread and common throughout Cuba, and the migration of thousands of individuals is sometimes observed especially along the north and south coasts traveling east (Hernandez).
Nectar Plants: Many different flowers and can also be seen, sometimes in large numbers, on damp ground and on dung.
Larval Foodplants: Several plants in the genera Brassica, Cleome, Armoracia, Lobularia, Carica, Raphanus and Tropaeolum.
Egg
Larva
Foodplants and Habitat
