The green-veined white is widespread throughout Europe. Despite its name, the veins on the undersides of the wings are variable in color and provide excellent camouflage when this butterfly is at rest amongst leaves. The so-called ‘green’ veins are, in fact, an illusion created by a subtle combination of yellow and black scales.
Like other ‘white’ butterflies, the sexes differ. The female has two spots on each forewing, the male only one. The veins on wings of the female are usually more heavily marked.
The green-veined white can produce up to three broods in a year. Recent research has shown that when males mate with a female, they inject methyl salicylate along with their sperm. The smell of this compound repels other males, thus ensuring the first male’s paternity of the eggs – a form of chemical mate guarding.
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I will be out of town for about a week to visit friends and family. I will resume photo blogging shortly after my return.
I wish you blithe summer days with great light and plenty of outstanding photo opportunities. And thanks, as always, for visiting my website.
Mit lieben Grüssen, Arnd