|                    Checkered White
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                |                    Pontia protodice
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                | Description: | 
               
              
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                 Medium sized butterfly measuring up to 2 1/2" in length.  The upperside of the male has a black checkered pattern.  The female is more heavily patterned, but the markings are more brown and diffuse.  The hindwing is white.  The underside of the male has a pale checkered pattern.  The underside of the female has yellow-tan markings. The caterpillar is gray with yellowish-orange stripes and small black dots. | 
               
              
                | Range: | 
               
              
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                 North America | 
               
              
              | Distribution and Abundance in Florida: | 
               
              
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              | Habitat(s): | 
               
              
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                 Weedlots, roadsides, and cultivated fields. | 
               
              
               
              | Reproduction: | 
               
              
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                 Yellow eggs are laid on leaves and flowers of host plants. | 
               
              
                | Natural History: | 
               
              
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                 Adults born during cooler parts of the year tend to be smaller and darker in color. | 
               
              Food: | 
              
              
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                 Caterpillars feed on leaves, flowers, buds, and fruits of host plants. Larval host plants include the native poor-man's-pepper (Lepidium virginicum) and species in the mustard family such as cabbage (Brassica oleracea). Nectar host plants include the nonnative alfalfa (Medicago sativa). | 
               
                Comments: | 
              
              
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                 Garden abundance is low. For more information, visit  Butterflies and Moths of North America. | 
               
              Synonyms: | 
              
              
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