By Stacie Deleszek
Geographic Range
Anartia jatrophae are very common in Central America and the Caribbean, as well as southern Texas and Florida. Small numbers can also be found in North Carolina, Missouri, Nebraska, and Kansas. (Emmit, 1999; Struttmann, 2004)
Biogeographic Regions:
nearctic 
(native ); neotropical (native ).
Habitat
White peacock butterflies are commonly found in warm, open, weedy areas such as fields or parks where water is abundant -usually in the form of a pond or stream. Adult butterflies are often seen along roadside ditches where host plants are abundant. (Floridata, 2001; Struttmann, 2004)
These animals are found in the following types of habitat:
tropical ; terrestrial .
Terrestrial Biomes:
savanna or grassland ; forest ; scrub forest .
Aquatic Biomes:
rivers and streams; temporary pools.
Physical Description
(2.01 to 2.76 in; avg. 2.38 in)
The eggs of this species are small and green and found on the underside of host plant (Bacopa monniera) leaves. Caterpillars are black with silver or white dots and branched spines. The chrysalis is light green with small black dots. The upper side of the adult butterfly is white and contains a round black spot with a light-to-dark brown crescent-shaped trim on forewing. The hindwing has two spots similar to those on the forewing and is trimmed with the same crescent trim in brown to orange. The two front legs are non-functioning, giving the appearance of only four legs- characteristic of all members of the Nymphalidae family. In dry or winter seasons, the White Peacock becomes paler and larger. (Floridata, 2001; Struttmann, 2004)
Some key physical features:
ectothermic ; heterothermic ; bilateral symmetry .
Development
Mature adults lay eggs on host plants. These eggs hatch 3-10 days later and the caterpillars live and feed on the host plant. The caterpillar transforms during the chrysalis stage into the adult butterfly form, completing holometablous metamorphosis. (Floridata, 2001; Hickman, Roberts, and Larson, 1995)
Special features of growth:
metamorphosis .
Reproduction
Year-round.
Male white Peacocks perch or patrol in areas with an abundance of host plants and wait for a female. Males are very territorial and defends host plant territory from other species. It is still unclear if females mate more than once in their lifetime. (Lederhouse et al., 1991)
Mating systems:
polygynous .
Reproduction consists of a male seeking out a female. The male deposits a spermatophore into the female during copulation. Eggs are laid singly near or on the underside of leaves of the host plant Bacopa monniera. (Hickman, Roberts, and Larson, 1995; Lederhouse et al., 1991)
Key reproductive features:
year-round breeding ; sexual ; fertilization (internal ); oviparous .
There is no evidence that parental care is given after eggs hatch.
Parental investment:
no parental involvement.
Behavior
Males display a unique territorial behavior. Males stake out a territory, typically 15 meters in diameter, that contains larval host plants. Males perch in this area and aggressively protect it from other insects and other male white peacocks. (Lederhouse et al., 1991; Struttmann, 2004)
Key behaviors:
flies; diurnal ; territorial ; colonial .
Communication and Perception
Like all butterflies, the White Peacock uses a number of sense organs including ocelli, and tympanic organs that detect vibrations. The also use pheromones when seeking a mate. (Hickman, Roberts, and Larson, 1995)
Other communication keywords:
pheromones ; vibrations .
Food Habits
Caterpillars require Bacopa monniera as a food source. As adults, white peacock butterflies feed on shepherd's needle, white hyssop, matchheads, wild Petunias, cordia, casearia and composites. (Lederhouse et al., 1991; Struttmann, 2004)
Primary Diet:
herbivore (folivore , nectarivore ).
Plant Foods:
leaves; nectar.
Predation
- Insectivorous birds.
- Other insects.
The white peacock butterfly has fast, erratic flight that makes it difficult to attack. (Floridata, 2001)
Ecosystem Roles
Like many other butterflies the white peacock acts as a pollinator of various species of flowering plants including white hyssop, matchheads, and wild petunias. (Floridata, 2001)
Key ways these animals impact their ecosystem:
pollinates.
Economic Importance for Humans: Negative
There is no evidence this species adversely affects humans.
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
There is no evidence that this species benefits humans other than providing research and education opportunities.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: [link]:
Not Evaluated.
US Migratory Bird Act: [link]:
No special status.
US Federal List: [link]:
No special status.
CITES: [link]:
No special status.
Currently, there is no evidence that this species' numbers are threatened but it is on continual watch. (Cowley, 1997)
Contributors
Sara Diamond (editor), Animal Diversity Web Staff.
Stacie Deleszek (author), University of Michigan.
Phil Myers (editor), Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan.
