Great Southern White
Ascia monuste

Great Southern White is locally common in the dunes and salt marshes along the immediate coast and on the barrier islands, but it is uncommon inland from the coast where it breeds in disturbed weedy areas. It is highly migratory, and in fall, it has been recorded as far north as Macon (Bibb County). In some years, large numbers migrate along the coast. The hostplants are saltwort (Batis maritima) along the coast and Virginia peppergrass (Lepidium virginicum) inland. There are two female forms: the light form is white and the melanic “nigra” form is gray or heavily marked with gray. There are probably three broods (Klots 1951), two in summer and one long winter brood. Recorded in the Coastal counties mostly from March to October with scattered records in November. Early Date: March 18 (Glynn County); Late Date: November 25 (Glynn County). Conservation Status: Secure.