The Olympia Marble is a medium-sized butterfly in the Family Pieridae (1). They are named after their resemblance to marble rock on the underside of their wings (2). In Central North America this species is found between the Rocky Mountains, Mississippi River, and the Great Lakes region. In the east it is reported from southern Pennsylvania to the southern Appalachians (3). In Maryland, the Olympia Marble is ranked S2 and has only been reported in Garrett, Allegany, and Washington Counties (4).
Euchloe olympia is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 1 3/8 – 2 inches (5). Their upperside is majority white with a black band on the forewing cell, while the underside of their hindwing is white with a yellow-green marbling. Additionally, the costal margin of the hindwings, have a pink-tinted band (6).
Larvae are 1 inch in size at maturity with a grayish-green body covered in raised, glossy black speckles, and short hairs with two yellow dorsal stripes, and one white spiracular line (1).
For more adult and larval images visit Carolina Nature by clicking here.
In Maryland, the Olympia Marble butterfly has a flight period from mid-April to mid-May (2) and will nectar from Bluet, Rockcress, and Violet (2, 7). Males can be found occupying hilltops awaiting females (8).
Eggs are laid on the buds of their host (Arabis spp.) (8). In Maryland, Lyrate Rockcress (Arabis lyrata) and Smooth Rockcress (Arabis laevigata) are the most common of the Arabis spp.. Once the larvae hatch they spend their days feeding on flower buds. Caterpillars pupate in a slim purple chrysalis and suspend development during hibernation (1, 5).
The Olympia Marble is found in Maryland's western most counties among shale barrens (1, 4, 7).
Data from Maryland Biodiversity Project. Includes historical records and may overrepresent the current range of the species.
The spraying of chemicals and habitat destruction are the eminent dangers to the Olympia Marble (1). Recording butterfly sightings, collection of data, and gaining more knowledge on this species will help aid in the steps to conserving and protecting the habitats these butterflies need for survival.
© 2020 Price Lab for Entomology, Courtney Rogall