White Peacock
Anartia jatrophae
27.7731, -82.64
Field Notes
Description:
The genus Anartia is closely allied to Junonia and its Afro-Oriental equivalent Precis, and shares their liking for sunny open habitats in disturbed woodland.
There are 5 Anartia species of which jatrophae is the commonest and most widespread. The others are lyrtea from Haiti, chrysopelea from Cuba, fatima from central America and the beautiful black, red and white amathea from mainland South America.
Anartia jatrophae in nature has a delicate mother-of-pearl luminescence that is difficult to reproduce in a photograph. Although many consider it to be a mundane insect, I personally consider it to be exquisite. The species occurs from the southern United States to Bolivia and is also present on most Caribbean islands.
Habitat:
This species is found in disturbed habitats such as gardens, forest clearings, orchards, farmland and grassy riverbanks. It is primarily a lowland insect, but occurs up to an altitude of about 1400m.
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