Insect · GBIF taxon 5128007
White Peacock
Anartia jatrophaeWhite peacocks are distinctive subtropical butterflies recognized by chalky white wings adorned with delicate brown scalloping and bold black eyespots. Males vigorously defend sunny territories spanning roughly 15 meters across marshy meadows or garden edges, darting outward to intercept passing butterflies and other intruders. Adults flutter close to the ground with a buoyant, sailing flight pattern as they seek nectar from low-growing wildflowers.
PollinatorTerritorialDiurnal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Flower Nectar
Predators
- Green Anole
- Dragonflies
- Mantises
ThreatsHabitat loss from wetland drainage, herbicide use eliminating host plants, and widespread pesticide exposure.
HabitatsOpen moist fields, ditches, pond margins, parks, and disturbed sunny wetlands.
Life spanAdults live 2–4 weeks; complete life cycle spans 1–2 months.
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyNymphalidae
- GenusAnartia
- SpeciesAnartia jatrophae
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Approach slowly: Walk with gentle, measured steps when they are basking with open wings on low vegetation.
- Watch perch points: Look near patches of frogfruit or bacopa where territorial males return to the same twig repeatedly.
Host Plant (c) Brian Finzel, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Brian Finzel · cc-by-sa
Host Plant (c) Alex Abair, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alex Abair · cc-by
Competitor Rhododendrites / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Francisco Farriols Sarabia, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Francisco Farriols Sarabia · cc-by
Keep collecting in Fauna
Found in Collections
Ecosystem chain Pro
Mystic Meadows
White Peacock is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
Unlock to track progress
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.