Euchloe olympia (W.H. Edwards, 1871)
Olympia Marble
NatureServe Global Rank: G4G5
Virginia State Rank: S2
VA DGIF Tier: None
Federal Legal Status: None
Virginia Legal Status: None
Description: The Olympia Marble is a medium sized mainly white species that has a few darker markings near the leading edge and apex of the dorsal front wing. The ventral side displays greenish-yellow markings that give a marbled appearance on the translucent white backdrop.
Similar species: The Falcate Orangetip (Anthocharis midea) is vaguely similar to the Olympia Marble, but the pointed edge of their front wing and increased dark markings on the ventral hind wings will clearly differentiate this species from the Olympia Marble.
North American Range: The Olympia Marble mainly lives in the Great Plains States but also in scattered locations from New York to Virginia and West Virginia in the central Appalachians.
VA Observations by Locality: Frederick | Augusta | Frederick | Giles | Highland | Lee | Rockingham | Page | Russell | Shenandoah
Flight season and broods: In our area it is single-brooded in April to May.
Habitat and Food Plants: The Olympia Marble is mainly an inhabitant of the barren environments in the east. It feeds on small rockcresses (Arabis species) that occur in shale and limestone barrens in the area. It over-winters in the pupal stage.
Behavior and Ecology: They have a quick and direct flight that is near to the ground and stop at nectar sources frequently.
Population trend and potential threats: The population of this species seems to be on the decline in the Appalachians, possibly due to Gypsy Moth spraying and habitat destruction.
Management practices: In Virginia, finding and protecting populations of the Olympia Marble is key to their protection. Also, utilizing gypsy moth control measures that do not impact non-target invertebrates, would be beneficial.
References: Allen, T. J. 1997. The Butterflies of West Virginia and their Caterpillars. University of Pittsburg Press. 388pp.
Cech, R. and G. Tudor. 2005. Butterflies of the East Coast. Pg. 250. Princeton University Press.
Opler, P. A. 1992. A Field Guide to Eastern Butterflies. Peterson Field Guides
Pyle, R. M. 1981. Field Guide to North American Butterflies. National Audubon Society.