Anartia jatrophae, the white peacock, is a species of butterfly found in the southeastern United States, Central America, and throughout much of South America. The white peacock's larval hosts are water hyssop (Bacopa monnieri),  lemon bacopa (Bacopa caroliniensis), tropical waterhyssop (Bacopa innominata), frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora), lanceleaf frogfruit (Phyla lanceolata), and Carolina wild petunia (Ruellia caroliniana). The males of the species display a unique territorial behavior, in which they stake out a territory typically 15 meters in diameter that contains larval host plants. They perch in this area and aggressively protect it from other insects and other male white peacocks.

Anartia jatrophae, commonly known as the white peacock butterfly, can be considered a garden pest because its caterpillars feed on various plants, including garden favorites like passionflower vines, causing damage to foliage and potentially impacting the overall health and aesthetics of the garden.

garden pest

Anartia jatrophae can be considered pests because their caterpillars feed on various plants, including garden favorites like passionflower vines, causing damage to foliage and potentially impacting the overall health and aesthetics of the garden.

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Where do Peacock butterflies lay their eggs?

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