About Island Marble Butterfly
A small white butterfly with green marbled undersides found only on San Juan Island, Washington. It was presumed extinct for 90 years before rediscovery in 1998.
Did You Know?
When rediscovered, it was initially mistaken for the common Sara orangetip butterfly.
How to Identify Island Marble Butterfly
Island Marble Butterfly (Euchloe ausonides insulanus) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Pieridae. Adults typically measure 3-4 cm wingspan.
Island Marble Butterfly Habitat
Island Marble Butterfly is found in beaches & coastal habitats, particularly across United States. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Island Marble Butterfly Diet and Feeding
Island Marble Butterfly is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.
Where Is Island Marble Butterfly Found?
Island Marble Butterfly can be found in United States, where it inhabits beaches & coastal environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Island Marble Butterfly can be found
Is Island Marble Butterfly Dangerous?
Island Marble Butterfly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Island Marble Butterfly Role in Nature
Island Marble Butterfly is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Island Marble Butterfly
What does Island Marble Butterfly look like?
The Island Marble Butterfly typically measures 3-4 cm wingspan.
Where is Island Marble Butterfly found?
The Island Marble Butterfly is found in United States and typically inhabits beaches & coastal environments.
What does Island Marble Butterfly eat?
The Island Marble Butterfly feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Island Marble Butterfly dangerous to humans?
The Island Marble Butterfly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Island Marble Butterfly endangered?
The Island Marble Butterfly is currently classified as Endangered by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Island Marble Butterfly?
When rediscovered, it was initially mistaken for the common Sara orangetip butterfly.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Island Marble Butterfly (Euchloe ausonides insulanus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/island-marble-butterfly
MLA:
"Island Marble Butterfly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/island-marble-butterfly.