Black and white butterflies , with their striking , monochromatic wings , are a captivating bearing in the domain of Lepidoptera , principally belong to the Pieridae , Nymphalidae , Papilionidae , and Lycaenidae families . These striking insects , find across diverse habitats from moderate timberland to tropic rainforests , use their bold black - and - blanched patterns for camouflage , fellow attraction , or warn predators of their unpalatableness .

aboriginal to regions spanning North America , Europe , Asia , Africa , and South America , black and blanched butterfly , with wingspans stray from 1 to 5 inches , thrive in sunny , open areas , feeding on nectar from plants like butterfly bush , lantana , or aster , while their cat rely on specific host plant such as brassicas , milkweed , or citrus fruit . Their stark coloration , often due to melanin pigments for black and light - scattering complex body part for clean , make them a favorite among gardeners and nature enthusiasts .

Why contraband and White Butterflies Are a Garden and Ecosystem Treasure

pitch-dark and blank butterflies mesmerize with their in writing , gamy - dividing line extension , symbolizing Libra the Balance , wave-particle duality , and beauty across cultures . Their monochromatic patterns serve multiple purposes : mimicking toxic species , flux with dappled light , or signaling mates , as insure in species like the White Admiral , which use its bluff band for display .

Found globally , they live meadows , woodland , urban gardens , and even alpine regions , requiring ambrosia - rich plants for adults and specific host industrial plant for larva . As pollinator , they patronize plant reproduction , contributing to solid food security , while their front suggest healthy ecosystem . However , home ground loss , pesticide employment , and climate variety threaten many coinage , make butterfly - well-disposed gardens all-important .

Black And White Butterfly Species

1 . Cabbage White ( Pieris rapae )

Cabbage White , a Pieridae butterfly , is one of the most far-flung species , establish across North America , Europe , Asia , and Australia . Its 1.5–2 - inch wings are creamy white with smutty floater in females and fewer in males , with greyish - green undersides . Larvae provender on Brassica crop like cabbage , and grownup sip Aster or Lantana nectar . Plant brassicas 12–18 in aside in zones 3–11 , nonsuch for New York or California garden . Their rapid , fluttering flight in field and urban region work them a intimate sight , though they ’re look at agricultural pests .

2 . White Admiral ( Limenitis arthemis )

White Admiral , a Nymphalidae butterfly from North America , has a 2–3 - inch wingspan with black wings and a broad blank set across both extension . Larvae provender on Salix ( willow tree ) or Populus ( poplar ) , and adults sip Asclepias ambrosia or tree sap . Plant willows 15–20 understructure apart in geographical zone 3–8 , befit for Ontario or Maine gardens . Their swift , gliding flight in woodlands adds a striking black - and - white line , blending elegance with strikingness .

3 . Blackvein White ( Aporia crataegi )

Blackvein White , a Pieridae butterfly from Europe and Asia , has a 2–2.5 - column inch wingspread with white wings and prominent blackened veins , more pronounced in female . Larvae feed on Crataegus ( haw ) or Prunus , and adult sip Buddleia nectar . industrial plant hawthorn 10–15 foot apart in zone 4–8 , idealistic for UK or Oregon gardens . Their irksome flight in meadows and orchards total a ticklish , pictorial appeal , though they ’re declining in some regions .

4 . Checkered White ( Pontia protodice )

Checkered White , a North American Pieridae , has a 1.5–2.5 - column inch wingspan with white offstage mark by black - grizzly checkers , more pronounced in females . Larvae feed on Brassicaceae like Descurainia , and adults sip Echinacea nectar . plant life mustard green 12–18 inches aside in zones 4–9 , suited for Colorado garden . Their temperamental flight in plain and prairies makes them a magic , pattern increase .

5 . Great Southern White ( Ascia monuste )

bang-up Southern White , a Pieridae butterfly stroke , thrives in the southern US , Central America , and the Caribbean , with a 2–3 - inch wingspan . Males have vestal lily-white wing , while female show grayish - smutty top . Larvae feed on Brassica or Cleome , and adults sip Lantana nectar . Plant cleome 12–18 inches aside in zona 9–11 , idealistic for Florida garden . Their strong flight of stairs in coastal marshes adds a pristine black - and - white elegance .

6 . Marbled White ( Melanargia galathea )

Marbled White , a Nymphalidae butterfly from Europe , has a 2–2.5 - column inch wingspan with white wings marble with smutty vein and billet . Larvae provender on Mary Jane like Festuca , and adults sip Centaurea ambrosia . Plant fescue grasses 12–18 inches apart in zones 4–8 , suited for UK or Germany garden . Their fluttering flight in grasslands adds a bold , checkered beauty , thriving in gay hayfield .

7 . Malayan Zebra ( Graphium macfarlanei )

Malayan Zebra , a Papilionidae butterfly stroke from Southeast Asia , has a 2.5–3 - inch wingspread with mordant wing and whitened - zebra stripe . Larvae feed on Annonaceae like Annona , and adults sip Ixora nectar . Plant custard apple 15–20 feet apart in zones 10–11 , ideal for Miami conservatories . Their rapid flight in rainforests adds a salient smutty - and - white pattern , thrive in humid precondition .

8 . Zebra Swallowtail ( Eurytides marcellus )

Zebra Swallowtail , a Papilionidae butterfly stroke from easterly North America , has a 2.5–4 - inch wingspan with black annex and bold white grade insignia , plus a blood-red spot near the arse . Larvae feed on Asimina ( pawpaw ) , and adults sip Lantana ambrosia . industrial plant pawpaws 10–15 understructure apart in zones 5–9 , suited for Virginia gardens . Their refined trajectory in timberland tot up a zebra - like elegance .

9 . Common Jezebel ( Delias eucharis )

Common Jezebel , a Pieridae butterfly from South Asia and Australia , has a 2.5–3 - inch wingspan with white dorsal wing , black nervure , and white-livered - crimson ventral spots . Larvae provender on Loranthaceae ( mistletoe ) , and adults sip Hibiscus ambrosia . industrial plant mistletoe 10–15 feet apart in zones 10–11 , suit for tropical exhibit . Their vivacious flight in garden total a bluff dim - and - white demarcation .

10 . Pale Jezebel ( Delias sanaca )

Pale Jezebel , a Pieridae butterfly from Southeast Asia , has a 2–2.5 - in wingspan with creamy blanched wings , dim smuggled vein , and yellow undersides . Larvae provender on Loranthaceae , and adult sip Zinnia ambrosia . Plant Old World mistletoe 10–15 substructure apart in zones 10–11 , ideal for South Florida . Their delicate flight in forests adds a soft black - and - white charm , boom in humid climates .

11 . Rice Paper Butterfly ( Idea leuconoe )

Rice Paper Butterfly , a Nymphalidae species from Southeast Asia , has a 4–5 - inch wingspread with translucent white annexe and black veins , resembling Elmer Rice paper . Larvae feed on Apocynaceae like Parsonsia , and adults sip Lantana ambrosia . Plant parsonsia vines 10–15 feet apart in zones 10–11 , idealistic for Miami hothouse . Their slow , float flying in rainforests add an ethereal black - and - white beauty .

12 . Tree Nymph ( Idea malabarica )

Tree Nymph , a Nymphalidae butterfly stroke from South Asia , has a 4–5 - inch wingspread with white wings and black blot , alike to the Rice Paper . Larvae provender on Apocynaceae , and adults sip Hibiscus nectar . Plant parsonsia vines 10–15 feet apart in zones 10–11 , accommodate for tropic exhibits . Their gliding flight of steps in forests makes them a soft black - and - white spectacle .

13 . Black - and - White Helen ( Papilio helenus )

Black - and - White Helen , a Papilionidae butterfly stroke from South Asia , has a 3–4 - in wingspan with black wings and white mend on the hindwings . Larvae feed on Rutaceae like Citrus , and adult sip Ixora nectar . flora citrus tree 15–20 infantry apart in zones 10–11 , ideal for South Florida . Their strong trajectory in forest bring a sheer smutty - and - white elegance , flourish in humid precondition .

14 . Dainty Swallowtail ( Papilio anactus )

Dainty Swallowtail , a Papilionidae butterfly stroke from Australia , has a 2.5–3 - in wingspan with black wings and lily-white spot , plus orangish - ruby-red marker . Larvae feed on Rutaceae , and adults sip Lantana nectar . Plant citrus 15–20 feet apart in zones 10–11 , suit for tropical exhibit . Their elegant escape in garden adds a striking black - and - white figure .

15 . Common Mormon ( Papilio polytes )

Common Mormon , a Papilionidae butterfly from South Asia , has a 3–4 - in wingspread with mordant wings and ashen isthmus in some female morphs . Larvae feed on Rutaceae , and adults sip Buddleia nectar . Plant citrus 15–20 feet aside in zones 10–11 , idealistic for Miami gardens . Their speedy flight in timberland and urban area adds a sheer bootleg - and - white charm .

16 . clean - Edged Blue Baron ( Euthalia phemius )

White - border Blue Baron , a Nymphalidae butterfly stroke from Southeast Asia , has a 2–2.5 - column inch wingspan with black wing and clean edges , plus blue in males . Larvae feed on Anacardiaceae like Mangifera , and adults sip Lantana ambrosia . Plant mango trees 15–20 foot apart in zones 10–11 , suited for South Florida . Their swift flight in woodland add a abrupt smutty - and - bloodless contrast .

17 . band Peacock ( Anartia fatima )

ring Peacock , a Nymphalidae butterfly stroke from Central and South America , has a 2–2.5 - inch wingspread with calamitous wings and white - yellow dance band . Larvae feed on Acanthaceae like Ruellia , and adult sip Zinnia ambrosia . Plant ruellia 12–18 inches aside in zones 9–11 , idealistic for Texas garden . Their speedy escape in fields adds a active black - and - white formula .

18 . White Peacock ( Anartia jatrophae )

White Peacock , a Nymphalidae butterfly from the southern US to South America , has a 2–3 - column inch wingspread with white wings and black - brown mark . Larvae provender on Ruellia or Bacopa , and adults sip Lantana ambrosia . Plant body of water hyssop 12–18 in asunder in zone 9–11 , suited for Florida garden . Their rapid flight in wetlands impart a soft shameful - and - white beauty .

19 . shameful - and - White Forester ( Euphaedra xypete )

Black - and - White Forester , a Nymphalidae butterfly stroke from Africa , has a 2–2.5 - inch wingspan with black wings and white patches . Larvae feed on Rubiaceae , and grownup sip Hibiscus nectar . Plant coffee berry plants 10–15 feet asunder in zones 10–11 , ideal for tropical exhibits . Their graceful flight in rainforests adds a sheer black-market - and - white elegance .

20 . Black - and - White Skipper ( Hesperia melanus )

Black - and - White Skipper , a Hesperiidae butterfly from North America , has a 1–1.5 - column inch wingspread with dim wings and white spot . Larvae feed on grasses like Poa , and adults sip Verbena ambrosia . works blue grass 12–18 inches apart in geographical zone 4–9 , beseem for Colorado gardens . Their rapid , skipping flight in meadows tote up a sharp dim - and - white direct contrast .

21 . White - Barred Charaxes ( Charaxes brutus )

White - Barred Charaxes , a Nymphalidae butterfly from Africa , has a 2.5–3 - inch wingspan with dark wings and white bars . Larvae feed on Fabaceae like Albizia , and adults sip rotting fruit or Lantana ambrosia . Plant albizzia 15–20 groundwork apart in zone 10–11 , idealistic for tropic exhibit . Their swift escape in forests adds a striking fatal - and - white pattern .

22 . White - Banded Satyr ( Pareuptychia ocirrhoe )

White - Banded Satyr , a Nymphalidae butterfly stroke from South America , has a 1.5–2 - inch wingspread with brown wings and white bands , plus eyespots . Larvae feed on grasses like Bambusa , and adults sip Zinnia ambrosia . industrial plant bamboo 10–15 feet aside in zones 9–11 , beseem for Miami garden . Their broken flight in woodland adds a subtle sinister - and - white charm .

23 . Malayan Eggfly ( Hypolimnas anomala ) – White Morph

Malayan Eggfly , a Nymphalidae butterfly stroke from Southeast Asia , has a 2.5–3 - column inch wingspread with black wings and white patches in some female morphs . Larvae feed on Urticaceae like Urtica , and adult sip Lantana nectar . flora nettles 12–18 column inch aside in zone 10–11 , ideal for South Florida . Their bluff flight in wood adds a dramatic bootleg - and - bloodless elegance .

24 . White Morpho ( Morpho polyphemus )

White Morpho , a Nymphalidae butterfly stroke from Central and South America , has a 3–4 - inch wingspan with shimmering clean wings and shadowy ignominious veins . Larvae feed on Fabaceae like Inga , and adults sip waste yield or Lantana nectar . plant life inga tree 15–20 feet apart in zones 10–11 , suited for Miami conservatory . Their sailplaning escape in rainforests adds an ethereal black - and - white peach .

25 . Common Albatross ( Appias albina )

Common Albatross , a Pieridae butterfly from Southeast Asia and Australia , has a 2–3 - inch wingspan with white wings and black - gray-haired veins . Larvae feed on Capparis , and adults sip Hibiscus ambrosia . Plant capriole bush 10–15 feet apart in zones 10–11 , ideal for tropical exhibits . Their fleet flight of steps in woods tally a clean-living sinister - and - white aesthetic .

26 . shameful - and - White Helen Swallowtail ( Papilio nephelus )

Black - and - White Helen Swallowtail , a Papilionidae butterfly stroke from Southeast Asia , has a 3–4 - inch wingspan with black wings and white patches , plus ruddy spots . Larvae provender on Rutaceae , and adult sip Ixora nectar . Plant citrous fruit 15–20 feet asunder in zones 10–11 , suited for South Florida . Their inviolable flight of stairs in forests adds a bold dark - and - blanched elegance .

27 . Zebra Mosaic ( Colobura dirce )

Zebra Mosaic , a Nymphalidae butterfly from Central and South America , has a 2–2.5 - inch wingspan with contraband wings and white-hot - yellow zebra stripes . Larvae feed on Urticaceae , and adults sip Lantana ambrosia . flora nettles 12–18 inches apart in zones 9–11 , suit for Texas gardens . Their speedy flight in forest adds a dynamical black - and - white normal .

28 . White - Barred Emperor ( Charaxes cynthia )

White - Barred Emperor , a Nymphalidae butterfly stroke from Africa , has a 2.5–3 - column inch wingspan with dim wings and whitened bars , plus orangish spot . Larvae feed on Fabaceae , and grownup sip rotting fruit or Hibiscus nectar . Plant albizzia 15–20 groundwork apart in zones 10–11 , ideal for tropical showing . Their swift flight in forests sum a regal opprobrious - and - white dividing line .

Attracting Black and White Butterflies: Essential Tips

To attract black and bloodless butterflies , flora boniface and nectar plants suited to your USDA zone ( 3–11 ) . employ Brassica , Salix , Asimina , or Rutaceae for larvae , spacing 10–20 feet aside based on industrial plant size , and Lantana , Buddleia , Zinnia , or Aster for ambrosia , space 12–18 inches aside . Ensure full sun ( 6 + hours daily ) and well - drained land ( pH 6–7 ) . Avoid synthetic pesticide , using neem oil or fellow planting with marigold to deter pests like aphids . Provide shallow water dishes with pebble for mineral sipping and matted Rock for enjoy .

In cool zones ( 3–8 ) , employ words covers or greenhouses to poke out the time of year ; in zones 9–11 , keep up humidness for tropic specie like Rice Paper Butterfly . Deadhead ambrosia plants to corroborate blooms , and void overwatering to prevent source rot . determine local regulation for exotic horde plants to avoid invasiveness , and source from aboriginal greenhouse to insure ecological compatibility .

Design Ideas for Butterfly Gardens

Black and white butterflies sum up a bold , graphic elegance to garden designs . Plant Cabbage White or Checkered White in veg beds with Brassica and Zinnia , paired with herbaceous plant like dill for larval security . make a tropical oasis with Rice Paper Butterfly or Malayan Zebra using Parsonsia and Lantana , emphasize by ferns for subtlety . Design a timber edge with White Admiral or Zebra Swallowtail and Salix or Asimina , underplanted with Buddleia for nectar and dividing line .

utilize White Peacock in wetland garden with Ruellia and Hibiscus , complemented by grasses like Panicum . For modest space , grow Aster and Pentas in containers for Marbled White , paired with dwarf shrubs . These layout attract butterflies , support pollinators like bees , and boost biodiversity , but ward off heavy shade or encroaching coinage to ensure healthy ecosystems .

Ecological and Cultural Significance

grim and white butterflies are full of life pollinator , aiding crop like fruit , veggie , and ornamentals , and their presence signals robust ecosystem . With close to 17,500 butterfly species globally ( 750 in North America ) , black and ashen species confront threats from disforestation , pesticide economic consumption , and climate change , particularly tropic single like Tree Nymph . Culturally , black and blank butterflies symbolize balance , harmony , and shift in traditions from Native American traditional knowledge to Asiatic mythology , often sport in art , lit , and spectral rituals .

Their striking pattern inspire scientific inquiry into mimicry and preservation efforts , such as those by the Xerces Society and Butterfly Conservation . However , their bold colors make them target for predators , and overhandling risks wing damage , so observe with binoculars or cameras for minimum disturbance .

Challenges and Conservation

Black and white butterfly stroke confront meaning challenge , including habitat exit , urban sprawl , and pesticide exposure , which quash universe of coinage like Blackvein White in Europe . mood change disrupts breeding cycles , while sponge and predator jeopardise larvae . Adopt organic horticulture practice , avoid chemical pesticides and using neem crude or familiar planting to contend pests . Support preservation initiative like the North American Butterfly Association or local sanctuary , such as Florida ’s Butterfly World .

Source master of ceremonies and ambrosia plants from reputable suppliers like Prairie Moon Nursery , Native Plant Finder , or Annie ’s Annuals to ensure disease - free , native ancestry . Avoid engraft in frost - prone areas without season extenders like cloches , and participate in citizen scientific discipline via platform like iNaturalist to track butterfly stroke populations . Conservation efforts , such as habitat renovation for Zebra Swallowtail in North America , provide hope for maintain these bold pollinators .