Provence, France, April 2004 (m)
Var, France, April 2018
Field notes and information
There are several species of dappled white in Europe, the taxonomy of which has been confused over the years. The commonly recognised situation today is the one I use here.
There are apparently two species that are not possible to differentiate from external characteristics, distribution being the only tool available without DNA analysis.
Identification & Similar species: The current species flies from in western Europe, the indistinguishable eastern dappled white which flies eastwards of a line running north-south through northern Italy. It is very similar to the Portuguese dappled white, E. tagis which has a gently curving hindwing costa, not angled as in the current species.
Distribution & Flight: It is found ranging across the countryside of southern Europe and north Africa as far east as northern Italy. From Italy eastwards it is replaced by the indistinguishable eastern dappled white, E. ausonia.
Habitat & Behaviour: It seems to like the lusher herbage of cultivated areas rather than the surrounding dry habitats. It doesn't fly particularly forcefully which helps separate it in flight from the similar bath and western bath whites, Pontia edusa, P. daplidice, which have a very direct flight.
Var, France, April 2018
Var, France, April 2018
Provence, France, April 2004 (m)
Var, France, April 2018
Agadir, Morocco, April 2013
Var, France, May 2012
Provence, France, April 2004 (m)
The distinctive angle on the costa of the hindwing is clear here - ref. curve of E. tagis.
Var, France, April 2006
Var, France, April 2006
Andalucia, Spain, April 2009