Arthropods Daily – Issue No. 14

The summary describes the subspecies, distribution, habitat, description, life cycle, and alternative names of the marbled white butterfly (Melanargia galathea). The butterfly is found in Europe, southern Russia, Asia Minor, and Iran, with an isolated population in Japan. It inhabits forest clearings, meadows, and steppe environments. The butterfly has a wingspan of 46-56 millimeters, with white and gray-black markings on the upper side of the wings and gray eye spots on the underside. The caterpillars feed on various grasses and undergo hibernation before pupating. It is similar to the Iberian marbled white and has alternative names such as "Our Half-mourner" and "The Marmoris."