P. protodice life history
Checkered White (Pontia protodice) Life History


Fresh egg, 3-18-10

Egg ready to eclose, 3-21-10
     

Just-eclosed caterpillar eating eggshell

Recently emerged caterpillar, 3-21-10
     

3-24-10
     

3-26-10
     

3-28-10
     

4-1-10
 
     

Mature caterpillar, 4-2-10
 
     

Chrysalis, 4-6-10

A second, pre-emergent chrysalis, 4-7-10
     

Fresh Checkered White (ventral) 4-7-10
 
     

Fresh Checkered White (dorsal) 4-7-10
 

A mating pair of Checkered Whites was collected in April, 2010. They were offered two known hosts, London Rocket (Sisymbrium irio) and Pepperweed (Lepidium lasiocarpum or virginicum). The female freely deposited eggs on both species. Later in the year, I also found caterpillars on Gregg Keelpod (Synthlipsis greggii).

The eggs eclosed after three days. The caterpillars matured quickly; the first pupated on May 2, when the caterpillar was 12 days old. It emerged on May 7, just 21 days after the eggs were deposited.


Caterpillar face, 4-1-10

Checkered White Page