| Pontia protodice (Boisduval & Leconte, 1830) |
| Status: Widespread uncommon to common resident/stray. |
| Flight Period(s): There are at least two flights. In Nebraska adults have been found from 26 March – 4 November. |
| Range: The Checkered White is an overwintering resident in the southern half of the United States, but strays north into Canada on a regular basis. It occurs statewide in Nebraska. |
| Larval Hostplant(s): A wide variety of crucifers are fed upon including various Mustards (Arabis, Brassica, Descurania and Sisymbrium species), Winter, Hoary and Penny Cress (Barbarea vulgaris, Cardaria draba and Thlaspi arvense), Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), and Peppergrasses (Lepidium species). Ornamental Alissum is utilized as well. |
| Overwinter: As pupae. |
| Commentary/Habitat: As a wide-ranging colonizer this butterfly can occur anywhere, but favors disturbed weedy areas where its hostplants thrive. Females are more heavily marked than males, and some early spring individuals have extensive shading along the veins of their ventral hindwings. Adults have been observed nectaring on alfalfa, willows, fleabanes and asters. |
| Similar Species: Spring, Western and Cabbage Whites. |
