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Mila'sExotic Plants & CuriositiesA living collection by Luminary OdditiesLuminary Oddities · Natural history & art
Melanargia galathea
Lepidoptera / Nymphalidae
The marbled white is a grass-feeding satyrine with a black-and-white chequered wing pattern and a single summer generation.
Read the species account
Melanargia galathea belongs to the satyrine branch of Nymphalidae. Its common name refers to the contrasting dark and pale areas of the wings. [1]
A black-and-white mosaic covers the upper wings. The underside carries small hindwing eyespots. Pattern intensity varies geographically; named pale and dark forms remain variation within the species. [1]
Males patrol grassland in search of females. Adults frequently take nectar from pink and purple flowers, including knapweeds and scabious. [2]
Larvae may be yellow-green or pale brown, with lengthwise dark stripes, a reddish head and a paired tail. [2]
The British range has expanded northward. Successful translocations beyond the former range show that suitable climatic conditions can extend beyond naturally occupied sites. [1]
Wellcome Open Research / Darwin Tree of Life · Accessed 2026-10-13
Dutch Butterfly Conservation · Accessed 2026-10-13
Sources checked 2026-10-13. Illustrations · Luminary Oddities.
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