www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Took this picture to try and identify a chrysalis I came across in Tenerife. Any ideas as to what it may be?




Dave C

Given the shape, I'd go with Green-veined White. All the sticky-out-bits are in the right place

http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species.php?species=napi

Cheers,

- Pete

Thanks Pete, had a feeling it migh be of that ilk, there were cruciferous plants in the area.


regards

Dave C

Do they occur there? What about a green striped White?

Good point Nick!

Cheers,

- Pete

Thanks Nick, must admit I havent seen GVW there, but then I havent been that many times. Have seen Bath White but they dont like to sit still long enough for a photo !

Best wishes

Dave C

My trusty "Butterflies of Britain and Europe: a Photographic Guide" is very good for identifying species in isolated locations like the Canaries.

Tenerife has its own Green-strped White (Euchloe eversi) found in the mountains between 1800 and 2300 metres. There is the distinctive Canary Large White (Pieris cheiranthi) in north Tenerife. The ordinary Small White (Pieris rapae) is found all over the Canaries, as is the Bath White (Pontia daplidice), but there are no Green-veined Whites (Pieris napi). Finally, amongst Pierids, there is also the African Migrant (Catopsilia florella). Its larvae eat various introduced legumes, such as Cassia (the book says!). No pictures of the pupa, I'm afraid.

Take your pick! It could be nothing more exciting than a Small White, I suppose...

Dave

Definitely lots of Bath Whites out there when I was there in March 2009

Gibster.